Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputies Seamus Healy and Liam Quaide, and Senators Nikki Bradley, Maria Byrne and Laura Harmon.

The purpose of today's meeting is to continue the discussion about progressing the delivery of disability policies and services. On behalf of the committee, from An Coimisiún Toghcháin, I extend a warm welcome to Mr. Art O'Leary, chief executive, Mr. Brian Dawson, communications and public affairs manager, and Ms Eunice Delaney, electoral integrity and research unit.

Joining us online are Professor Eilionóir Flynn, Centre for Disability Law and Policy, and Dr. Aoife Price, postdoctoral researcher.

Before we begin, I will read out a note on parliamentary privilege and housekeeping matters. All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against a person or an 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, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction I may make. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings, they 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 the Parliament has chosen to sit. In that regard, I ask any member partaking via Teams to confirm prior to making a contribution to the meeting that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

I now call on Mr. Art O'Leary to make his opening statement.