Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Good afternoon, everybody. I welcome you to this public meeting of the Joint Committee on Autism in the Chamber of the Seanad, the Upper House of our Parliament here in Leinster House. I warmly welcome all the self-advocates and representatives from various parents' organisations.

I thank the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Deputy Buttimer, and the Leader of the Seanad, Senator Chambers, for arranging business today such as to allow this meeting to take place. This committee is due to report on 1 June and make recommendations to the Government on changes. Those recommendations will be informed by listening to our guests' views and those of all organisations. More important, we want to hear people's lived experience and make recommendations for changes they feel need to be made in the system.

I wish to read a note on privilege to explain some of the 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 both the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. They 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 the person or entity. Therefore, where statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, witnesses will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I thank everyone for attending. I will call them in the order in which they wish to make statements. They may make the statements in their own time but we will try to limit contributions to five minutes, if possible. Following the contributions, members may ask any questions they have for anyone. If guests feel they wish to answer or comment, they may indicate that and then I will allow them to do so. We will first hear from Ger and Mark Kenny, a mother and son. I ask them to make their opening statements and comments, reflecting the points of view of a parent and son.