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

We have received apologies from Senators Mary Seery Kearney and Erin McGreehan. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD, and the optional protocol. We have the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy Roderic O'Gorman, Mr. Colm Ó Conaill, assistant secretary general, Mr. Niall Brunell, principal officer for disability policy in the Department, and Ms Tara Smith and Mr. John Gilbane, assistant principal officers in the Department.

The Minister may call on the officials to speak briefly for clarification of specific or technical points during the meeting. The officials can clarify issues for the committee. Any follow-up questions should be put to the Minister because he is the accountable person before the committee. I am aware of the wide range of issues that will be the subject of today's discussions. If necessary, further and more detailed information of certain issues raised can be sent to the clerk for circulation to members.

Before we begin, witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person in such a way as to make him or her identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. Therefore, if statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, witnesses may be directed to discontinue their remarks. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that we should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any persons outside of the House. On a constitutional issue, members are required to be within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in today's public meeting.

I call the Minister to make his opening statement.