Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 18 May 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters

Disability Inclusive Social Protection: Discussion (Resumed)

Photo of Pauline TullyPauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputies Michael Moynihan and Cairns and Senator O'Loughlin. The topic of this meeting is disability-inclusive social protection. On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to Ms Denise Kennedy, assistant secretary, head of HR and corporate affairs, and Mr. Kevin Galligan and Mr. Colm McKiernan, principal officers, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Mr. John Maher, principal officer, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Mr. Patrick O'Sullivan, principal officer, and Ms Clare Naughton, assistant principal officer. Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; and Mr. Rónán Hession, assistant secretary and Dr. Sarah Waters, principal officer, Department of Social Protection.

Before we begin, I must read the note on privilege. All 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 otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, 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 witnesses 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, 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. In this regard, I ask any member participating via Microsoft Teams that prior to making their contribution to the meeting they confirm they are on the grounds of the complex.

I call Ms Kennedy to make her opening statement.

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