Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael)
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Apologies have been received from Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

Before we start our business, I will read some formal notices and the Covid-19 code of conduct. All of those present in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

On privilege, I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the parliamentary precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

For the information of the witnesses, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references they may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege.

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 that person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

We will begin with signing off on the minutes of our previous meetings. We will then have two sessions. The first, session A, will run from now until approximately 12.30 p.m. or 12.45 p.m. During session A we will consider animal-assisted intervention and therapy. We will then take a short break. Session B will run from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. During that session we will hear more about the lived experience of families of autistic people.

At the request of the Working Group of Committee Cathaoirligh, we will endeavour to finish the meeting at 2 p.m. because another committee will be using the room afterwards. I propose that the usual arrangements will apply. Our witnesses will make statements for five minutes each, after which we will have questions and answers with members. Each member will have five minutes for questions and answers. If we have sufficient time afterwards members may be able to pick and ask more questions. Is that agreed? Agreed. Members will be called as per the circulated list. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The first item on our agenda is the minutes of our previous meetings. The question is that we approve the minutes of the public meetings held on 20 October 2022 and 25 October 2022. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The next item is the continuation of our consideration of autism policy. I welcome the witnesses to session A of today's meeting during which we will consider animal-assisted intervention and therapy. From Autism Assistant Dogs Ireland, AADI, we are joined by Ms Nuala Geraghty, CEO, and Ms Debbie Carr who is a parent and client of the organisation. From St. Joseph's Foundation - Liskennett Equine Therapy Centre - we are joined by Mr. Michael Hegarty, CEO, Dr. Barry Coughlan, principal psychologist, and Mr. David Doyle, project and services development officer.

This ongoing examination of autism policy gives the committee the opportunity to discuss animal-assisted intervention and therapy. Animal-assisted therapy, especially that involving horses and dogs, is and new and exciting area of research that is yielding positive results for autistic children. The committee wishes to learn more about these interventions, their benefits for autistic children, adolescents and adults and their current availability to those who wish to access them.

Before we hear from our witnesses, I propose that we publish the opening statements on the committee's website. Is that agreed? Agreed. I invite Ms Nuala Geraghty to make her opening statement on behalf of AADI.