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

Apologies have been received from Deputies Murnane O'Connor, Tully and Wynne and Senator Higgins. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss aligning disability services with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD, in consideration of acquired disability. On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to Ms Mary Farrell and, from the Irish Heart Foundation, Mr. Chris Macey, director of advocacy and patient support, and Ms Fiona Bardon.

I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in the meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. If members are joining the meeting remotely, I ask them to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making their contributions. For anyone watching this meeting online, the witnesses are accessing the meeting remotely. Due to these unprecedented circumstances, I ask that everyone bear with us should any technical issues arise.

Before we commence formal proceedings, I must begin with some formalities and advise our witnesses on the matter of privilege. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. They 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 wish to advise witnesses giving evidence from a location outside of 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 another jurisdiction should also be mindful of its statutory regime. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter, they must respect that direction.

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 or persons outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.