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

I welcome the witnesses to our meeting. They will present on their concerns about improving the lives of those affected by rare diseases and their families. We are joined by Ms Vicky McGrath, CEO, Rare Diseases Ireland; Ms Avril Daly, CEO, Retina International, and vice president, EURORDIS - Rare Diseases Europe; and Dr. Sally Ann Lynch, consultant clinical geneticist, Children's Health Ireland, Crumlin hospital.

Before we hear their opening statement, I need to point out to them that there is uncertainty as to whether parliamentary privilege will apply to their evidence if given from a location outside of the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. Therefore, if I direct a witness to cease giving evidence relating to a particular matter, the witness must respect that direction.

I call Ms McGrath to make her opening remarks. She has five minutes to do so and she is very welcome.