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

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Catherine Naughton, director, European Disability Forum, and Dr. Mary Keogh, advocacy director, CBM Global.

I remind members that they can participate in the meeting only if they are physically within the precincts of Leinster House. In this regard, if members are joining us remotely, they must confirm they are within the grounds of the Leinster House complex 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 as has happened over the past while.

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 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 advise witnesses giving evidence from locations outside the parliamentary precinct that the constitutional protection afforded to witnesses attending and giving evidence before the committee may not extend to them. No clear guidance can be given. If witnesses are directed to cease giving evidence on a particular matter, they must respect the decision of the committee. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to that effect as well.

I invite Ms Naughton to make her opening remarks.