Pat Casey (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask members, delegates and those in the Visitors Gallery to ensure that, for the duration of the meeting, their mobile phones are turned off completely or switched to airplane, safe or flight mode, depending on the device used. It is not sufficient to leave it in silent mode, as it maintains a level of interference with the broadcasting and recording systems.

We are resuming our discussion on the provision of housing for people with disabilities. I welcome Ms Rose Kenny from Dublin City Council; Ms Caroline Timmons, Mr. Aidan O'Reilly, Mr. John Wickham and Mr. Alan Byrne from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government; and Dr. Kathleen MacLellan and Ms Patsy Carr from the Department of Health. 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. 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 entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

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 invite Ms Kenny to make her opening statement.