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

I welcome Deputy Ellis to the committee and I wish him well. I look forward to working with him. We spoke earlier at the private meeting. I look forward to positive engagement.

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss inclusive transport schemes. On behalf of the committee, I welcome: Ms Catherine Cox, head of communications and policy, and Mr. Damien Douglas from Family Carers Ireland; and Mr. Pat Carty, chairman, and Mr. Kenneth Fox, CEO, from the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland.

I remind members that they are only allowed to participate when they are within the precincts of Leinster House. In this regard, if members are joining us remotely, they should indicate whether they are within the precincts of Leinster House. Due to unprecedented circumstances, witnesses are joining us remotely, so we may run into technical difficulties. If that happens, I ask everyone to please bear with us.

I will outline the formalities regarding privilege. Witnesses are directed only to give evidence on the subject matter of these proceedings and to respect the parliamentary practice that we do not criticise or make charges against a person, persons or entity outside of the Houses in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. If they are directed by the committee to case giving evidence, they must respect that.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside of the House or an official in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Without further ado, I call on Ms Cox and Mr. Douglas to make their opening remarks.