Colette Kelleher (Independent)
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I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, Ms Frances Spillane and Ms Patsy Carr. The next item is engagement with the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, on the discontinued mobility allowance and motorised transport schemes.

Before we begin, I remind members, witnesses and persons in the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile phones. I welcome everyone and thank them for appearing before the committee. The Minister of State has been invited here today to discuss the proposed health (transport support) Bill and its impact on the discontinued mobility allowance and motorised transport grant schemes.

In accordance with procedure, I am required to read the following. 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 on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

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 of the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind our guests that the presentation should be no more than five to ten minutes in duration. The opening statement has been circulated to members in advance of the meeting.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, and invite him to make his opening statement.