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

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the progressing disability services, PDS, model. On behalf of the committee, I extend a welcome to Ms Helen Holmes, vice chairperson of the Dublin 12 Campaign for Autism Inclusion, Ms Linda Whitmarsh, co-chair of the Cavan Monaghan Parents Committee, and Ms Nicola Hart, member support team leader with Down Syndrome Ireland.

I remind committee members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically present on the campus of Leinster House. I ask members who are joining remotely to confirm whether they are on the campus prior to making their contributions. For anyone watching us online, witnesses are accessing the meeting remotely due to unprecedented circumstances, and I ask people to bear with us if any technical issue arises.

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 protections afforded to witnesses attending and giving evidence before the committee may not extend to them. At this point, we do not have clear guidance on whether privilege extends to them. If witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence, they must respect that direction.

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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Without further ado, I ask Ms Holmes to make her opening remarks.