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

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss awareness raising in the context of the lived experience of congregated settings. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Derval McDonagh, chief executive, and Mr. Paul Alford, advocacy project worker, Inclusion Ireland; Ms Emer Begley, director of advocacy, and Ms Ríona Morris, policy and research officer, Disability Federation of Ireland, DFI; Ms Joanne Condon, acting national manager, and Ms Suzy Byrne, greater Dublin regional manager, National Advocacy Service, NAS; and Ms Barbara O’Connell, co-founder and chief executive, and Dr. Karen Foley, head of service operations, Acquired Brain Injury, ABI, Ireland.

Before we begin, there are some housekeeping matters. All those present in the room are asked to respect the Covid-19 policies. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity in such a way as to make him or her identifiable or engage in any speech that may be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory, they may be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such directions.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any persons outside the Houses or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members can contribute online as long as they are within the precincts of the Leinster House complex. Prior to making any remarks, I ask members participating online to confirm whether they are within the precincts of Leinster House.

Without further ado, I call Ms McDonagh and Mr. Alford to make their opening statements.