Colette Kelleher (Independent) | Oireachtas source

At a previous meeting we considered the issue of personal assistant services for individuals with a disability. To help us consider the matter further, I am pleased to welcome from the Department of Health Ms Patsy Carr; from the HSE Ms Marion Meany; from Áiseanna Tacaíochta Mr. Owen Collumb and Ms Eileen Daly; and from the Disability Federation of Ireland Dr. Joanne McCarthy and Mr. Garry Toner. I ask them to, please, turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system and the broadcasting of the meeting.

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 joint committee. If they are directed by the committee 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. Opening statements and other documents submitted to the committee may be published on its website after the meeting.

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.

The presentations have been circulated to members. I remind the delegates that their opening statements should not exceed ten minutes in duration. They should pick out the key points because it is important that we have adequate time for dialogue.