Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

All those present in the committee room are asked and are expected to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. Members who are participating remotely, as they are well aware, need to do so from within the Leinster House complex only. Apologies have been received from Deputy Matt Shanahan.

Today we are going to talk about employment strategy and how persons with a disability are impacted in the workplace. Many barriers are faced by people with disabilities when seeking employment. It is therefore imperative that employment strategies are formulated in a way that encourages inclusivity, and help people to overcome the challenges they may face. The Government is committed to increasing from 3% to 6% the number of employees with a disability in all Government Departments by the end of 2024. This target was recently placed on a statutory footing in section 101 of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act 2022.

I am pleased that we have the opportunity to consider these matters further with the following representatives. From the National Disability Authority, we have Dr. Aideen Hartney, director, Dr. Rosalyn Tamming, head of policy, research and public affairs, who is joining us online, and Ms Marion Wilkinson, senior policy adviser with responsibility for employment affairs and further and higher education. From Pobal, we have Ms Anna Shakespeare, CEO; and from the Rehab Group, we have Ms Anne Marie McDonnell, head of business development, Mr. Adrian Stewart, head of employability, and Mr. Padraig Hannafin, public affairs research administrator who is joining us online.

I want to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege, and the practice of the Houses regarding references witnesses may make to another person in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present, or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts, is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. Witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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 may be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that witnesses comply with any such direction I may have to give.

The opening statements have been circulated to members. To commence our consideration of this matter, I now invite Dr. Hartney to make opening remarks on behalf of the National Disability Authority.