Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

We are meeting to discuss universal design and other issues around building regulations relating to accessibility. From the National Disability Authority, we are joined by Dr. Aideen Hartney, director, and Ms Ruth O'Reilly, senior design adviser. From Age Action Ireland, we have Ms Celine Clarke, head of advocacy and communications, and Ms Mary Murphy, research officer. From the Irish Wheelchair Association, we have Ms Joan Carthy, national advocacy manager, Mr. Brian Condon, national property project manager, who joins us online, and Ms Rosaleen Lally, national access programme manager. From the Disability Federation of Ireland, we have Mr. John Dolan, chief executive officer, and Ms Ríona Morris, policy and research officer.

The opening statements and briefings have been circulated to members. Some other documents and submissions were also circulated to members.

I must quickly read a note on privilege before we begin. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, to participate in public meetings. Witnesses attending in the committee room are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their contribution to today's meeting. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. Both members and witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege they enjoy. It is my duty as Chair to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction. Members and witnesses 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.

The delegations are very welcome. We had also invited representatives from the Department to be present but, unfortunately, they could not attend. I wanted to raise the question of Changing Places with them, and there is a working group dealing with the matter. They have provided us with an update on the good progress that has been made but, unfortunately, they cannot be here today.

We will have slots of approximately seven minutes for members to ask questions and receive answers. I ask members to be as direct as possible with the questions in order to give witnesses time to answer.