Frances Black (Independent)
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The purpose of the meeting today is to consider the issue of the life cycle approach to mental health, particularly in the context of older people. To enable the sub-committee to consider this matter, I am pleased to welcome Mr. Seán Moynihan, chief executive officer, Ms Gráinne Loughran, senior policy and advocacy officer and Mr. Frank Dillon, head of communications, from Alone; and Mr. Mervyn Taylor, chief executive officer and Ms Róisín Clarke, programme adviser from Sage Advocacy.

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.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any other 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 they comply with any such direction.

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 the committee meeting when their participation is from within the parliamentary precincts.

There can be no assurances in relation to participation online from outside the parliamentary precincts. 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.

I invite Mr. Seán Moynihan to make his opening remarks.