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

We have received an apology from Deputy Tully. The purpose of today's meeting is to resume the committee discussions on accessibility and assistive technologies. Our witnesses are Professor Malcolm MacLachlan, professor of psychology and social inclusion, co-director of the Assisting Living and Learning, ALL, Institute and research and innovation co-ordinator of the WHO global co-operation on assistive technology, GATE, programme and Ms Muireann McCleary and Dr. Yvonne Lynch from the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists, IASLT. They are very welcome to the meeting. We look forward to our discussions.

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. It is imperative they comply with such a directive. Members are reminded also of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against persons or entities outside of the House 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.

I call Professor MacLachlan.