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

On behalf of the committee, I welcome from the Department of Rural and Community Development: Bairbre Nic Aongusa, assistant secretary of community development; Aoife O’Brien and Elaine Jennings, community and voluntary supports programmes. We are also joined remotely from the Disabled Persons Network by Peter Kearns, Joe McGrath, Nem Kearns, Elaine Grehan and John Sherwin; and from the County and City Management Association by John Mulholland, chair of the community cultural and heritage committee, Michael Rainey and Michael Nicholson.

Before we begin the meeting, I will deal with a few housekeeping matters. All those present in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility in respect of protecting themselves and others from Covid-19. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable or otherwise in a speech that might be regarded as damaging the good name of any person or entity. Therefore, if their speeches are potentially defamatory, they may be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative they comply with any such direction.

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

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. In this regard, I ask any members joining remotely, prior to making their contribution, to confirm they are within the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I call Ms Bairbre Nic Aongusa to make her opening statement.