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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Wynne. In accordance with guidelines, all documentation for this meeting has been circulated to members on the Microsoft Teams platform. This session will be a joint meeting of the Joint Committee on Disability Matters and the Joint Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. We are joined by Deputy Funchion, the Cathaoirleach, and other members of that committee. They are all very welcome.

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the progressing disability services programme. On behalf of the committee, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Rabbitte. From the Department, I also welcome Ms Siobhán McArdle, assistant secretary in the social care division, Ms Deirdre Comiskey, principal officer of the disability services unit, Ms Audrey Hagerty, principal officer of the integration unit, Mr. Jason Doran, assistant principal in the disability services unit, and Mr. Thomas Morrin, assistant principal of the disability services unit. From the HSE I welcome Mr. Paul Reid, CEO, Ms Yvonne O'Neill, national director of community operations, Mr. Bernard O'Regan, head of operations - disability services, Professor Malcolm MacLachlan, clinical lead for people with disabilities, Ms Angela O'Neill, national disability specialist - community operations, and Ms Breda Crehan-Roche, chief officer of community healthcare organisation, CHO, west.

Before we begin, I wish to read out a note on privilege. All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. If their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction. Witnesses attending remotely from outside the Leinster House complex should note that there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses physically present.

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 in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Some witnesses and members are joining today's proceedings via Microsoft Teams. In that context, I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be on the Leinster House campus and I ask them to confirm same prior to making a contribution.

Before we proceed with the opening statements from witnesses, Deputy Funchion will make a brief statement.