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

I welcome the Minister of State with special responsibility for special needs and inclusion, Deputy Madigan, and the officials from the Department. The Minister of State may call on the officials to speak briefly for clarification during the meeting when a specific or technical point arises. The officials may clarify issues for the committee. Any follow-up questions should be directed to the Minister of State as the accountable person before the committee. Members should ensure that questions are directed to the Minister of State rather than to anybody else.

I am aware that a wide range of issues will be the subject of discussion. If necessary, further and more detailed information on certain issues raised can be sent to the clerk to the committee for circulation to members. The committee and I wish to assist the witnesses in every way possible to ensure this meeting is beneficial for members and witnesses and that we have a good and productive session to try to get information for the general public through the committee.

I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in the meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I ask all members to confirm prior to making a contribution that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex. For those watching the meeting online, the Oireachtas Members and witnesses are accessing this meeting remotely. Only the Chairman and the necessary back-up team who are essential to the running of the meeting are physically present in the committee room. Due to the unprecedented circumstances and the large number of people attending the meeting remotely, I ask everyone to bear with us if any technical issues arise during the course of the meeting.

Before I commence formal proceedings, I wish to deal with some formalities and advise witnesses on the matter of privilege. Witnesses 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, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise witnesses giving evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts that the constitutional protections afforded to those attending in person to give evidence before the committee may not extend to them. No clear guidance can be given on whether or the extent to which the evidence given is covered by absolute privilege of a statutory nature. Persons giving evidence from other jurisdictions should also be mindful of the domestic statutory regime. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter, they must respect that direction.

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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss how Ireland's special education policy aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and matters arising in respect of disability issues. I invite the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, to make her opening remarks.