Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss consideration of access to community neurological rehabilitation teams. To assist the committee with this I am pleased to welcome from the Neurological Alliance of Ireland, NAI, Ms Magdalen Rogers, executive director, Dr. Susan Coote, associate professor, University of Limerick, and Dr. Niall Pender, principal clinical neuropsychologist in Beaumont Hospital and associate professor at the school of medicine in Trinity College Dublin.

The note on privilege is here whether we want it or not. Witnesses are 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 engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. If witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

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.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. I ask any member who is participating via Microsoft Teams to confirm that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House complex prior to making a contribution to the meeting.

I now invite Ms Magdalen Rogers to make her opening remarks on behalf of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland.