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

The purpose of today's meeting is the discussion on rights-based care for children with disabilities. On behalf of the committee, I warmly welcome representatives from the HSE: Mr. David Walsh, national director of community operations; Mr. Donan Kelly, assistant national director of child and youth mental health; Dr. Amanda Burke, child and adolescent consultant psychiatrist and national clinical lead for child and youth mental health; Mr. Bernard O'Regan, head of operations of disability services and Martina Queally, chief officer of community healthcare organisation, CHO, 6.

We also have representatives from Tusla: Ms Kate Duggan, chief executive officer; Mr. Pat Smyth, national director of finance and corporate services and Ms Clare Murphy, interim national director of services.

I remind witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice that you should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be damaging to the good name of a person or entity. If you are directed to discontinue your remarks, it is imperative that you comply with the direction.

Members are also reminded of this long-standing parliamentary practice. Anyone joining remotely can only do so from within the confines of Leinster House. I call on Mr. David Walsh to make the opening remarks on behalf of the HSE.