Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I advise everybody that this meeting is being broadcast live this morning. If they need to eat, drink or take a break during the meeting, I ask them to turn off their camera temporarily. I will call people by name and invite them to answer questions. Anybody who wants to make a point should raise their hand. I will call time after five minutes and witnesses may finish their opening statements.

Apologies have been received from Senator Fiona O'Loughlin. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the participation of people with disabilities in political, cultural, community and public life. It is the last public session on this topic. Tomorrow is world blind today. I extend a welcome to Emilie Conway and Isolde Ó Brolcháin Carmody from Disabled Artists and Disabled Academics, DADA; Niamh Daffy and Odhrán Doherty from Cara Sports Inclusion Ireland; Robbie Sinnott from Voice of Vision Impairment; Gerry Kerr, a member of Dublin City Public Participation Network, PPN; and Louise Loughlin and Suzy Byrne from the National Advocacy Service.

I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. In this regard, if members are joining the meeting remotely, I ask them to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus before making a contribution. Due to these unprecedented circumstances, I ask everyone to bear with us should technical issues arise.

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 or 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 that 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 in relation to 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 in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I ask Ms Ó Brolcháin Carmody and Ms Conway to make their opening remarks.