Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Apologies have been received from Senator Erin McGreehan. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the progressing disability services model and the withdrawal of occupational therapies from schools. On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to representatives of the HSE, Dr. Cathal Morgan, head of operations, disability services; Professor Malcolm MacLachlan, clinical lead for people with disabilities; Ms Breda Crehan-Roche, chief officer, community healthcare organisation west; and Ms Angela O’Neill, national disability specialist, community operations.

I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting from within the precincts of Leinster House. In this regard, if members are joining remotely, I would ask them to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making their contributions to the meeting. For anyone watching this meeting online, witnesses are accessing the meeting remotely due these unprecedented circumstances, so I ask everybody to bear with us should any technical issues arise.

Before we commence formal proceedings, I must begin with some formalities and advise witnesses of the matter of privilege. Witnesses are directed to only give evidence connected with the subject matter of the proceedings and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they do not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise witnesses giving evidence from a location outside of the parliamentary precincts that the constitutional protection afforded to witnesses attending to give evidence before committees may not extend to them. No clear guidance can be given on this matter or on whether or to what extent to which the evidence given is covered by absolute privilege of a statutory nature. Persons giving evidence from other jurisdictions should be mindful of their domestic statutory regime. If witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to particular matter, they must respect that direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I would call on Dr. Cathal Morgan, head of operations, disability supports, to make his opening remarks.