Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This morning the committee is meeting with representatives from the Neurological Alliance of Ireland, the HSE, the Disabilities Federation of Ireland and Alcohol Forum to hear their insights into services for those living with a neurological condition and the problems they may encounter in being provided with those services. On behalf of the committee, I welcome, from the Neurological Society of Ireland, Ms Edina O'Driscoll, project manager of the neurorehabilitation demonstrator project and Ms Magdalen Rogers, executive director of the society. I also welcome, from the Disability Federation of Ireland, Ms Joanna McCarthy, senior executive, policy and research and Ms Ava Battles, chief executive of Multiple Sclerosis Ireland. I also welcome, from Alcohol Forum, Dr. Helen McMonagle, specialist care co-ordinator in alcohol-related brain injury and Ms Paula Leonard, national lead on community action and alcohol programme. They are all welcome.

I draw witnesses' attention to the fact that 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 the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also advise them that any submissions or opening statements they have made to the committee will be published on its website after this 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.

I ask Ms Rogers to make her opening statement.