Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)

Apologies have been received from Deputies Seamus Healy and Liam Quaide and Senators Nikki Bradley and Maria Byrne. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss participation in community life for persons with disabilities. On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to: Mr. Paul McDermott, director for high performance and national governing bodies, and Ms Geraldine McTavish, disability in sport lead, of Sport Ireland; Mr. Kevin O'Brien, head of operations, of Variety - the Children's Charity of Ireland; and Mr. Jimmy D'Arcy, community and health manager, and Louise Keane, national equity, diversity and inclusion officer, of the GAA.

Before we begin, as is always the case, I will read out the note on privilege and parliamentary housekeeping matters. All witnesses present 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 relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction that may be given. 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 attending remotely must do so from within the precincts of Leinster House.

I call on Ms McTavish to make her opening statement.