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

The Chair, Deputy Moynihan, sends his apologies as he cannot be here this morning, but he may join us remotely at some stage. Apologies have also been received from Senator Higgins.

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the participation of people with disabilities in political, cultural, community and public life. On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to Ms Renee Dempsey-Clifford, independent chairperson of the Disability Stakeholder Group, DSG, and her colleagues, Dr. Vivian Rath and Ms Annette Costello. I also welcome Councillor Carly Bailey from South Dublin County Council and Councillor Gabe Cronnelly from Galway County Council. The witnesses are all very welcome here this morning.

I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. In this regard, if members join the meeting remotely, I ask them to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making a contribution. I inform anyone watching this meeting online that witnesses are accessing this meeting remotely and due to these unprecedented circumstances, I ask that everyone bear with us should any technical issues arise.

Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I wish to advise witnesses giving evidence from a location outside of the parliamentary precinct that the constitutional protection afforded to witnesses attending to give evidence before committees may not extend to them. No clear guidance can be given as to whether, or the extent to which, the evidence given is covered by absolute privilege of a statutory nature. Persons giving evidence from another jurisdiction should also be mindful of the domestic statutory regime. If witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter, they should respect that decision.

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

I now call on Ms Renee Dempsey-Clifford, Dr. Vivian Rath and Ms Annette Costello to make their opening remarks.