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

The purpose of this 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 witnesses from the National Disability Authority, Dr. Aideen Hartney, director, and Dr. Rosalyn Tamming, interim head of policy, public affairs and research; and from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, Ms Sinéad Gibney, chief commissioner, and Dr. Rosaleen McDonagh, commission member and chair of the commission’s disability advisory committee.

Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they 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. 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 Gibney to make her opening statement.