Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will now welcome the witnesses who will be presenting virtually to our meeting today, which will focus on the impact of Covid-19 on the mental health of Travellers. From Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, I warmly welcome Ms Ronnie Fay, co-director, Mr. Patrick Reilly, mental health worker, Ms Geraldine McDonnell, Traveller mental health community development worker, and Ms Lynsey Kavanagh, Traveller health policy and research co-ordinator. They are all very welcome to the meeting.

Before we hear their opening statements, I must point out to our witnesses that there is uncertainty if parliamentary privilege will apply to their evidence from a location outside of the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. Therefore, if the witnesses are directed by me to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter, they must respect that direction. I invite Ms McDonnell to make her opening remarks.