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

Apologies have been received from Deputies Seán Canney and Frank Feighan and Senator O’Loughlin. The purpose of today’s meeting is to discuss planning for inclusive communities. On behalf of the committee, from Independent Living Movement Ireland, ILMI, I welcome Fiona Weldon, capacity officer, and Claire Kenny, policy assistant. From St. Joseph’s Foundation, I welcome Michael Hegarty, chief executive officer, David Doyle, development manager, and Niamh O’Shea, children's disability network manager and occupational therapy manager. From Brothers of Charity Services Ireland, I welcome Ms Una Nagle, interim chief executive, and Eamon Loughrey, director of services for the west region. They are all very welcome.

I remind witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on or make charges against a person or entity outside of the Houses in such a way as to make him or her identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging the good name of a person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to identifying a person or entity and they are asked to discontinue their remarks, it is imperative they do so.

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 of 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 members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. Anybody participating via Microsoft Teams should let us know they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

Without further ado, I call Ms Weldon to make her opening statement.