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

We have apologies from Deputies Frankie Feighan and Senator Tom Clonan. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the UNCRPD at local level and community development. On behalf of the committee, I welcome representatives from Pobal: Anna Shakespeare, the chief executive; Paul Skinnader, the director of social inclusion and employment opportunities; and Delia Goodman, national manager of Better Start. We also have representatives from Enterprise Ireland: Donal Leahy, department manager for strategic policy, and Greg Swift, the head of enterprise at the Dublin city local enterprise office. They are very welcome to the committee.

Before we begin, witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on or make charges against a 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 and they are directed to discontinue their remarks, it is imperative that they comply with such direction. Members are reminded of that selfsame long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity outside of the Houses in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. To be fair to members, they have been in full compliance with that practice even though they may have been challenged in that regard from time to time. Despite this, they have kept to that practice. Members who are joining remotely have to be within the confines of Leinster House before they can speak.

I call on Ms Shakespeare to deliver her opening statement.