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

Members participating remotely need to do so within the Leinster House complex, as they well know. Apologies have been received from Deputy Bruton.

Today's meeting will consider the employment strategy for persons with a disability. We have already discussed this topic; this is another session on it. 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 helps 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 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 and other related matters further with the following representatives: from the National Council for the Blind of Ireland, NCBI, Ms Jodie McGriele, employment, training and academia manager, and Mr. Sean Doran, programme manager and accessibility consultant; and from the Open Doors Initiative, Ms Jeanne McDonagh, CEO, and Ms Christabelle Feeney, director of Employers for Change.

As always, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses as regards 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 statutes 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, they will be directed by me to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements have been circulated to members. To commence our consideration of this matter, I invite Ms McGriele to make opening remarks on behalf of the NCBI.