Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 7 November 2023

Committee on Mental Health

Mental Health Care for Migrants and Ethnic Minorities: Discussion

Photo of Frances BlackFrances Black (Independent)
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The minutes of the sub-committee's previous meeting on 2 October have been circulated to members for consideration. Are they agreed? Agreed.

The purpose of this meeting is for the sub-committee to consider issues relating to mental healthcare for migrants and ethnic minorities. In order to enable the sub-committee to consider this matter, from Mental Health Reform, MHR, I am pleased to welcome: Ms Fiona Coyle, CEO; Ms Emily Marchelewska, project co-ordinator with Cairde; Mr. Patrick Reilly, co-ordinator of mental health initiative for Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre; and Dr. Salome Mbugua, CEO of AkiDwA. From Doras, I welcome: Ms Sue Windle, welfare co-ordinator; and Ms Tahereh Fardin Tabrizi, project co-ordinator.

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 a 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 a committee meeting when their participation is from within the parliamentary precincts. There can be no assurances in relation to participation online from outside those precincts and members should be mindful of that when contributing.

I remind members 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. Any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any members participating via MS Teams to confirm prior to making their contributions that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I invite Ms Coyle to make her opening remarks.