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

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss accessibility in the built environment, information and communication. On behalf of both committees, I welcome Mr. Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm. From Independent Living Movement Ireland, ILMI, I welcome Mr. Desmond Kenny, chairperson, Ms Catherine Gallagher and Mr. James Crawley. Also with us from the National Disability Authority, NDA, are Dr. Aideen Hartney, director, Dr. Gerald Craddock, chief officer at its Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, CEUD, and Dr. Dónal Fitzpatrick, senior design adviser of ICT within the CEUD.

Before beginning, I wish to read out a note on privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise, comment on or make charges against any 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 an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. For witnesses attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus, 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 do.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not make charges against a person or entity either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members and witnesses have the option of being present in the committee room or joining the meeting via Microsoft Teams. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of Leinster House to participate in public meetings. If members are partaking, will they confirm before speaking whether they are on the grounds of Leinster House?

Without further ado, I call on Mr. Harris to make his opening remarks.