Tom Clonan (Independent)

I thank everybody for being here this morning. I have to declare a conflict of interest in that I worked with the Mental Health Commission for 11 years. Having attended hundreds of mental health tribunals, I know the commitment that everybody puts into that process. I have been in and out of the courts for the past 20 years as, I hasten to add, a witness. As a layperson, I see the changes even over that period. I appreciate the witnesses' time and being here.

I will address my first question to Ms Byrne. I know there are difficulties and concerns about the legislation and its implementation, as she put it, in the real world. She adverted to a number of cases of people who have come to the NAS. Is it possible within the parameters of not identifying people to give a flavour of some of the primary challenges that confront disabled citizens in relation to these matters? Are there any examples that will give us real insight on a human level into the challenges it poses?