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

On behalf of the Committee on Disability Matters, I extend a warm welcome to our guests from the National Council for Special Education, namely, Mr. John Kearney, chief executive officer; Ms Helen Walsh, inclusion and education support services; and Ms Jennifer Doran, financial conveyance and research. They are all very welcome.

I advise the witnesses that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity outside the Oireachtas in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or engage in defamatory statements that might damage the good name of a person or entity. If it is deemed that their statements are potentially defamatory and they are directed by the Chair to discontinue their remarks, it is imperative that they comply with such a direction.

I invite Mr. Kearney to make his opening statement.