Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputies Canney and Hourigan and Senators Bacik and Higgins. Deputy Moynihan is unavoidably delayed, but he will join the meeting soon. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss institutionalisation and the inappropriate use of congregated settings. On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to our guests: Professor Roy McConkey, Institute of Nursing and Health Research at the University of Ulster; Ms Lynn Fitzpatrick, St. Mary of the Angels Parents and Relatives Association; Professor Gautam Gulati, consultant forensic and general psychiatrist and adjunct associate clinical professor at the University of Limerick; and Ms Ann Marie Flanagan, disability activist.

I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex or the complex in the convention centre when the Dáil or Seanad is sitting there. In this regard, if members are joining this meeting remotely, I ask them to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus or the convention centre prior to making a contribution to the meeting. For anyone watching the meeting online, witnesses are accessing the meeting remotely. Due to these unprecedented circumstances, I ask everyone to bear with us if technical issues arise.

Before we commence the formal proceedings, I must begin with some formalities regarding matters of privilege. I advise witnesses that they are directed to give only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings. Witnesses are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor 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 the witnesses giving evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts to note the constitutional protections afforded to witnesses attending 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 witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence regarding a particular matter, they must respect that direction.

Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity outside of the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call Professor McConkey to make his opening remarks.