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

Apologies have been received from Senator Alice-Mary Higgins. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss aligning education with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD. On behalf of the committee, I would like to welcome Ms Mary Finn, Ms Claire Hayes, Ms Marian Hennessy, Mr. Craig Kelly, Ms Rita Walsh, Ms Gráinne Gorey and Dr. Fidelma Brady to the meeting. They are extremely welcome and we look forward to the discussion.

I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in the meeting when physically present within the Leinster House complex. In this regard, if there are members joining us remotely they must confirm they are on the grounds of Leinster House before they can make a contribution.

Before we commence formal proceedings, I must begin with some formalities and advise our witnesses of some matters. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and you are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, you should not criticise or make charges against any persons or entities by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I must advise the witnesses giving evidence from 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 on whether or the extent to which privilege is covered. Persons giving evidence from other jurisdictions should be mindful of the statutory regime and if you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter you should respect that. Members should be reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice as well.

Ms Claire Hayes from the Open Doors initiative can make her opening statement.