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

Apologies have been received from Deputies Cairns and Michael Moynihan and Senators O’Loughlin and Seery Kearney.

The purpose of today’s meeting is to discuss disabled people’s organisations, DPOs, and the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD. On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to: Frances Quan Farrant, disability and human rights advocate; Peter Gohery, national chairperson, and Leo Kavanagh, member, from Physical Impairment Ireland; Maryam Madani, chair and founder, and Peadar O’Dea, policy officer, from Disability Power Ireland; Dr. Robert Sinnott, co-ordinator of Voice of Vision Impairment; and Dr. James Casey, John Sherwin and Joe McGrath of the DPO Network. Mr. McGrath is joining us remotely.

Before we begin, I will read a note on privilege and address some housekeeping matters. 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 their 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 ask any member partaking via Microsoft Teams to they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making their contribution.

I call Ms Frances Quan Farrant to make her opening statement.