Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I advise our guests 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 this 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 a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses 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 welcome our witnesses, who are in committee room 2. From the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, I welcome Dr. Frank Conaty, acting chief commissioner, and Professor Caroline Fennell, who taught me the law of evidence some time ago and who is a commission member. From the Disability Federation of Ireland, DFI, I welcome Mr. John Dolan, CEO, and Dr. Joanne McCarthy, head of policy, research and advocacy. From Inclusion Ireland, I welcome Mr. Enda Egan, CEO, and Mr. Mark O’Connor, community engagement manager. I invite Mr. Dolan to make his opening remarks and ask that he confine them to five minutes as his statement was circulated to members in advance. We want to leave as much time as possible for questions and answers.