Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses to our meeting, the purpose of which is to discuss the impact of Covid-19 emergency powers on fundamental rights and mental health well-being. From the Mental Health Reform, we have Ms Fiona Coyle, CEO, and Ms Audry Deane, policy and research adviser. From the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, ICCL, we have Mr. Liam Herrick, executive director, and Ms Doireann Ansbro, senior research and policy officer.

Before we hear their opening statements, I need to point out to our witnesses that there is uncertainty as to whether parliamentary privilege will apply to evidence given from a location outside the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. If, therefore, they are directed by me to cease giving evidence on a particular matter, they must respect that direction.

Ms Coyle has five minutes to make her opening remarks. She is very welcome.