Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Apologies have been received from Deputy Coveney and Senator Seery Kearney. Senator Clonan is also speaking in the Seanad at the moment.

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss children with disabilities - UNCRPD Article 7. On behalf of the committee I welcome from the Independent Living Movement Ireland, Ms Paula Soraghan, community development worker and youth collective facilitator; and from AsIAm, Mr. Adam Harris, chief executive officer, and Ms Emily Mullock, community advocate.

Before we begin, and I am nearly able to do this off by heart at this stage, all witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the name of a person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to identifiable persons or entities, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they do so.

Members are reminded of the same long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I also remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. If members are going to speak remotely, I ask them to indicate that they are within the grounds of Leinster House.

Without further ado, I call Ms Soraghan to make her contribution.