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

Apologies have been received from Deputies Phelan and Wynne and Senator Higgins.

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the disabled persons organisations, DPOs, and the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD. On behalf of the committee, I extend a céad míle fáilte to Mr. Leo Kavanagh, national secretary of Physical Impairment Ireland, to the representatives from the DPO Network, Ms Jacqui Browne, chair, and Ms Lianne Quigley, and Mr. Robbie Sinnott, co-ordinator with Voice of Vision Impairment, VVI.

I remind members that they can only participate in the meeting if they are physically within the precincts of Leinster House. If members are joining us remotely, they must confirm that they are within the precincts before they can contribute to the meeting. For anyone watching online, some witnesses are accessing the meeting remotely. Due to the unprecedented nature of this, I ask everyone to bear with us should technical difficulties arise.

I must advise everyone participating in these proceedings on matters of privilege. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and 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 advise witnesses giving evidence from locations outside the parliamentary precincts that the constitutional protection afforded to witnesses attending and giving evidence before the committee may not extend to them. No clear guidance can be provided on the extent to which such evidence is covered by absolute privilege of a statutory nature.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment, criticise or make charges against any person or entity outside the Houses by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I call on Mr. Kavanagh to make his opening remarks.