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

We have received apologies from Senator McGreehan. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss aligning education with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD. On behalf of our committee I extend a very warm welcome to: the Minister for Education, Deputy Norma Foley; Martina Mannion, assistant secretary for special education and inclusion, Department of Education; as well as Brendan Doody and Martin McLoughlin from the special education section within the Department of Education. The Minister may call on her officials to speak briefly for clarification during the meeting or specifically if a technical point arises and officials may clarify issues. Any follow-up question should be put to the Minister as Ministers are the accountable person before the committee.

I am aware that a wide range of issues will be the subject of the discussion today and, if necessary, further and more detailed information on certain issues raised can be sent to the clerk to the committee to be circulated to members.

Before we begin, I will refer to privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity by name or 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. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of identifiable persons or entities, witnesses will be directed to discontinue their remarks. Members are reminded also of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against persons outside of the House or officials in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that members be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in the public meetings. In this regard, I ask all members participating through Microsoft Teams that prior to making their contribution, they confirm that they are within the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

Without further ado I call now on the Minister, Deputy Foley, to make her opening statement.