Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome members, and I welcome viewers who are watching proceedings on Oireachtas TV, to the second public session of the newly formed Joint Committee on Disability Matters. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the progress on the national disability inclusion strategy and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD.

On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O'Gorman, and the Minister of State with responsibility for disability, Deputy Rabbitte.

Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. 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 the Minister to make his opening statement.