An Leas-Chathaoirleach:

Apologies have been received from the Chair, Deputy Flanagan. Deputy Carthy will be substituting for Deputy Brady.

The first item on our agenda is a meeting with representatives from Dóchas to discuss the global progress and the sustainable development goals. The following witnesses are with us for the meeting today: from Dóchas, Ms Jane Ann McKenna, CEO; from GOAL, Ms Mary Van Lieshout, deputy CEO; Ms Mary Keogh, advocacy director with CBM Global Disability Inclusion; and Ms Ana Tenorio, global director for education for World Vision.

They are all very welcome. I thank them again for attending our meeting. The format of this meeting will be in the usual manner. We will hear the opening statements of the witnesses and then take questions from the members, if they so wish. I ask the members to be concise in asking those questions later.

I remind witnesses and members 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 in any way identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of that person or entity. Therefore, if any statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, the speaker will be directed to discontinue his or her remarks. It is imperative that any such direction be complied with.

For witnesses attending remotely, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present. I remind members that they are allowed to participate in this meeting once they are located within the Leinster House complex.

I call Jane-Ann McKenna to deliver her opening statement.