Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Good morning everyone. Apologies have been received from Deputy Shortall and Senators Hoey and Black and for this first session. The minutes of the committee meetings of 16 and 17 April have been circulated to members for consideration. Are they agreed? Agreed.

Today, the joint committee will first meet with Vision Ireland to discuss the health services and supports for persons who are blind or vision impaired. Later, the committee will meet the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association to discuss the health services necessary and available for persons with lung fibrosis.

To commence the committee's consideration of this matter, I am pleased to welcome from Vision Ireland: Mr. Chris White, group executive officer; Mr. Aaron Mullaniff, chief services officer and Ms Eadaoin Keane, chief marketing officer.

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 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. 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. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside of the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member taking part via MS Teams that they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex prior to making a contribution.

I now invite Mr. White and Mr. Mullaniff to make their opening remarks on behalf of Vision Ireland.