Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Today the joint committee will engage on the future of Europe with Ms Fiona O'Donovan from the Disability Federation of Ireland which does great work. On behalf of all members of the committee, I welcome her as we move towards the end of our current series of engagements on the future of Europe. One area the committee has not previously considered is the impact of the discussions on the future of Europe on the lives of people lwith disabilities. We are very grateful to receive Ms O'Donovan's submission and glad that she can engage with us.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I ask Ms O'Donovan to make her opening statement. I will then open the floor to members.