Frances Black (Independent)
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We will begin our consideration of the report by the Irish Penal Reform Trust, IPRT, on access to rights for people who are detained in secure forensic mental health facilities. The purpose of this meeting is for the sub-committee to discuss the report of the IPRT on access to rights for people who are detained in secure forensic mental health facilities. To enable to the sub-committee to consider this matter, I am pleased to welcome Ms Molly Joyce, legal and public affairs manager with the IPRT. I am also pleased to welcome Professor Eilionóir Flynn, director of the centre for disability law and policy, and Eilis Ní Chaoimh, who does research, both from the University of Galway and both of whom are joining us virtually via MS Teams. All those present in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

I will read the note on privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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. It is imperative that any such direction be complied with. 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 Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Parliamentary privilege is considered to apply to the utterances of members participating online in a committee meeting when their participation is from within the precincts. There can be no assurances in relation to participation online from outside of the parliamentary precincts and members should be mindful of this when they are contributing.

Members are also reminded of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any members partaking via MS Teams to confirm that they are on the grounds of Leinster House campus prior to making a contribution to the meeting.

To commence our discussion, I will invite Ms Joyce to make her opening remarks on behalf of the IPRT. I sincerely welcome her on behalf of the sub-committee. I thank her for being so generous with her time and with her expertise.

The report is fascinating. We looked at it with great interest. I look forward to hearing the opening statements.