Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Apologies have been received from Senators Clonan and Seery Kearney.

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss health and well-being for people with disabilities. On behalf of the committee I welcome representatives from the Department of Health: Mr. Greg Dempsey, deputy secretary general; Ms Anne O'Brien, assistant principal; Ms Siobhán Hargis, principal officer; Dr Anne Barry-Reidy, assistant principal officer; and Siobhain Crean, assistant principal officer. I also welcome, from the HSE, Dr. Rosie Gowran, clinical lead for people with disabilities.

Before we begin, witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity 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 comply with any such direction.

Members are again reminded of the same long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or an official outside the House, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I also remind members who are joining us remotely that they must be within the confines of the Leinster House complex to contribute to the public meeting.

Without further ado, I invite Mr. Dempsey to make his opening remarks.