Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)

Apologies have been received from Deputy Seamus Healy and Senators Nikki Bradley and Margaret Murphy O’Mahony.

Before we begin, on behalf of all members of the Joint Committee on Disability Matters, I extend our sympathy to the Browne family on the very sad passing of Jacqui. Jacqui Browne was chair of the Disabled Persons Organisation Network and played a key role in contributing to many disability policies and initiatives over the years, including many contributions to this committee in the past. Jacqui was a powerful advocate for people with disabilities and shone a very necessary light on disability issues. May she rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.

The purpose of today's meeting is continuing the discussion we have been having about progressing the delivery of disability policy and services. In that regard, on behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to the Minister of State, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton, who is Minister of State at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality with responsibility for disability. The Minister of State is accompanied by the following officials from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality: Mr. Niall Brunell, principal officer, PO, of the disability equality team; Ms Margot Loughman, PO of disability finance oversight and reform; and Ms Sarah O'Halloran, assistant principal, AP, for the disability children's services team. Ms Jenny Anderson is here as well. Sorry, Jenny. Gabh mo leithscéal.

Before we begin, I will read a notice on privilege and housekeeping matters. All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they 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 their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction that I may make. I also remind members of the constitutional requirement that, in order to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. Members of the committee attending remotely must do so from within the precincts of Leinster House. This is due to the constitutional requirement that, in order to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit, and in that regard, it is Leinster House. I assume everyone who is joining is in the Leinster House complex.

The Minister of State may call on her officials to speak briefly for clarification during the meeting where a specific or technical point arises. The officials can clarify issues for the committee. Any follow-up questions should be put directly to the Minister of State because she is the accountable person before the committee. I am aware that a wide range of issues will be subject to discussion today and, if necessary, further and more detailed information on certain issues raised can be sent to the clerk to the committee for circulation to members.

I call the Minister of State to make her opening statement.