Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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I welcome our guests. I draw their attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are also directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statements witnesses make will be published on our website after the meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I ask everyone, including our guests, to make sure their mobile phones are turned off completely or are on airplane, safe or flight mode depending on the device. It is important they are not left on silent as it interferes with the broadcasting equipment.
The first item on the agenda is a presentation by the WALK organisation. The organisation addresses issues of access by young people with disabilities to education, training and activation. I welcome Mr. Joe Mason, Ms Gráinne Berrill and Mr. Des Henry. I invite Mr. Mason to make his presentation.