Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)

Apologies have been received from Senators Bradley, Murphy O'Mahony and Harmon. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss advancing in work for persons with disabilities. On behalf of the committee I extend a warm welcome to Mr. Eddie Hennessy, entrepreneur; Mr. Haydn Hammersley, social policy co-ordinator, European Disability Forum; and Mr. Guillame Jacquinot, advocacy and campaigns manager, The Wheel.

Before we begin, I draw attention to the issue of privilege and some housekeeping matters. All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction. The evidence of witnesses physically present or those 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 and in this regard I ask members partaking via MS Teams to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making their contribution to the meeting.

A wide range of issues will be the subject of 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 Mr. Hennessy to make his opening statement.