Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We will now commence in public session. I apologise for the technical issues we are having. Apologies have been received from Senator Annie Hoey. Before we get to the main item on today's agenda, the minutes of the committee meetings of 8 May 2024 have been circulated to members for consideration. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The purpose of today's meeting is for the joint committee to consider the implementation of healthcare strategies for neurology and neurorehabilitation with representatives of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland. I am pleased to welcome from the Neurological Alliance of Ireland Ms Magdalen Rogers, executive director. Professor Sinéad Murphy, national clinical lead for neurology, was also due to be in attendance. From the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland I welcome Ms Alison Cotter, research and advocacy officer; and Ms Richelle Flanagan, patient advocate.

I remind witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice that you 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 your statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, you will be directed to discontinue your remarks. It is imperative that you comply with any such direction.

Members are also 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 will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside of the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member taking part via MS Teams that they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex prior to making a contribution.

To commence our consideration of the implementation of the healthcare strategies for neurology and neurorehabilitation, I invite Ms Rogers to make her opening remarks on behalf of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland.