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

Apologies have been received from Deputies Cairns and Leddin, and Senator Seery Kearney. Today's meeting concerns disability inclusion and social protection. I welcome, from Rehab, Ms Lucianne Bird, director of learning; Mr. Adrian Stewart, head of employability; and Mr. Michael Meere, a Rehab group advocate and student in the National Learning Network; and Ms Zoe Hughes, senior policy and research officer, Care Alliance Ireland. Joining us remotely are Professor Eilionóir Flynn, director of the Centre for Disability Law and Policy, and Mr. Alradi Abdalla, senior training officer at the International Disability Alliance. They are all very welcome and we look forward to the discussion.

I remind witnesses they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity outside the House in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Persons giving evidence from another jurisdiction should be mindful of the statutory regime they are in. If they are directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence, they should do so immediately.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the House in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members joining us remotely can only contribute if they are within the confines of the Leinster House complex.

I invite Professor Flynn to make her opening statement.