Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)

Apologies have been received from Senator Nikki Bradley. The purpose of today's meeting is the continuation of the discussion about inclusive education for people with disabilities. I extend a warm welcome on behalf of the committee to Ms Derval McDonagh, chief executive officer; and Ms Lucinda Murrihy, head of strategy and innovation, Inclusion Ireland; Mr. Tiernan O'Neill, principal of Corpus Christi Primary School and Dr. Lindsey Liston, chairperson of Corpus Christi Family Centre, Moyross; and Mr. Ciarán Cronin, principal, and Mr. Jim Shanahan, chairperson of the board of management of St. James' primary school.

Before we begin, I will read a note on privilege and housekeeping matters. I remind all witnesses 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 may 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, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks by myself. It is imperative they comply with any such direction. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precinct is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. I remind members of the constitutional requirements 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 precinct of Leinster House. In this regard, I remind any member partaking via Microsoft Teams that they should be on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

A wide range of issues will be under discussion today. 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 on Ms Derval McDonagh to make her opening statement.