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

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss inadequate personal assistance support. On behalf of the committee I welcome from the Independent Living Movement Ireland, ILMI, Mr. Damien Walshe, chief executive, Mr. Des Kenny, chairperson and Ms Shelly Gaynor, peer mentor. I also welcome from the HSE Ms Yvonne O'Neill, national director of community operations, Mr. Bernard O'Regan, head of operations, disability services, and Ms Olive Hanley, disability services in Dublin north city and county. Finally, from the ESRI I welcome Dr. Eamonn Carroll, postdoctoral research fellow and Dr. Selina McCoy, associate research professor in social research and joint education research co-ordinator.

Before we begin, I must read a note on privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or 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. If a statement is potentially defamatory and a witness is asked to cease giving evidence, it is imperative that he or she complies with this request. 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, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members are reminded that when they are in the precincts of Leinster House, they have constitutional privilege, but this does not apply if they are not on campus. Members should not participate in this meeting if they are not on the Leinster House campus and must confirm their presence on campus before making a contribution.

I now invite Dr. McCoy to make an opening statement on behalf of the ESRI.