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

Apologies have been received from Deputies Phelan, Wynne and Cairns and Senator Seery Kearney. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss aligning education with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD, which is our current topic. I welcome Mr. Somhairle Brennan, vice president for welfare of the Union of Students in Ireland, USI, and Ms Megan O'Connor, vice president for academic affairs.

I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in the meeting if they are within the precincts of Leinster House. In this regard, if members are joining remotely, I ask them to confirm that they are on the Leinster House campus prior to commencing.

I ask anyone watching to please bear with us if there are any technical issues because some people are joining us remotely. We will try to get any technical issues ironed out as quickly as possible.

Before I commence the meeting, I will outline the position on privilege. The witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and 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 the parliamentary precincts to note that the constitutional protection afforded does not apply.

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 House or any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

On behalf of the committee, I invite Mr. Brennan to give his opening remarks.