Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

For the information of the witnesses, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references they may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. However, if they are giving evidence remotely, from a place outside of the parliamentary precincts, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does and they may think it appropriate to take legal advice on the matter. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise 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 that person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I welcome Dr. Susan Crawford of Get Autism Active and Ms Eleanor McSherry of Adult Continuing Education in University College Cork and Hibernia College in Dublin. The committee is grateful to the witnesses for taking time out of their schedules to contribute to its deliberations. Both of our witnesses bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of autism policy, both as academics and as parents of autistic children. The committee looks forward to hearing the views of the witnesses on how the State can better support autistic children and adults. We are interested in discussing issues relating to assessment, therapies, education and employment, as well as anything else the witnesses might consider relevant.

Before we hear from the witnesses, I propose that we publish their opening statements on the committee's website. Is that agreed? Agreed. I call on Dr. Crawford to make her opening statement.