Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senator Aisling Dolan. I welcome our witnesses: Dr. Fiona Morrissey, disability law researcher, adjunct lecturer at the centre for disability law and policy in National University of Ireland, NUI, Galway, WHO quality rights trainer, mental health tribunal member and member of Disabled Artists and Disabled Academics; Ms Rosy Wilson, poet, retired adult education lecturer, mental health advocate and member of Recovery Experts by Experience; Dr. Liz Brosnan, academic, survivor researcher, mental health advocate and member of Recovery Experts by Experience; Dr. Charles O'Mahony, senior lecturer and former head of school in the school of law, NUI Galway; Ms Fiona Anderson, member of Recovery Experts by Experience; Ms Jennifer Hough, family member; Ms Deirdre Lillis, mental health advocate; and Dr. Harry Gibjels, retired lecturer, UCC, former mental health nurse and co-ordinator of the Critical Voices Network Ireland.

Before we hear the opening statements, I need to point out to our witnesses that there is uncertainty as to whether parliamentary privilege will apply to their evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. Therefore, if they are directed by me to cease giving evidence on a particular matter, they must respect that direction.

I call on Dr. Fiona Morrissey to make her opening remarks. She is very welcome.