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

As with the previous meeting we have a number of apologies. They were received from Deputies Canning, Hourigan, Murnane O'Connor, Phelan and Wynne and Senator Flynn. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss aligning education with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Education, Deputy Madigan, as well as Ms Martina Mannion and Mr. Eddie Ward of the Department. All are extremely welcome to the committee. The Minister of State may call on her officials to speak briefly for clarification during the meeting where specific topics are raised. The officials can clarify issues to the committee and any follow-up questions should be put to the Minister of State as she is the accountable person before the committee. I am aware a wide range of issues will be subjects in today's discussion. If necessary, further and more detailed information on certain issues can be sent to the clerk to the committee by the Department.

I remind members 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 whether they are within the Leinster House precincts or not.

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 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 to witnesses before the committee may not extend to them. No clear guidance can be given. If witnesses are asked to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter they must respect the decision of the committee.

I call on the Minister of State to make her opening statement.