Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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We have received apologies from Deputies Healy and Quaide and Senator Bradley. The purpose of today's meeting is a discussion about progressing the delivery of disability policy and services. We will hear from disability rights campaigner, Cara Darmody, who recently held a 50-hour protest outside Leinster House over the delays in accessing assessments of need, AON, and services for young people with disabilities. She is a vocal advocate for her two younger brothers who are autistic. We will also hear from representatives from the Disabled Persons' Organisations, DPO, Network, which is an alliance of five national disabled persons' organisations in Ireland. They will discuss the need to see progress in the design and delivery of policy related to disabled peoples' lives in Ireland. On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to Ms Cara Darmody, her dad, Mr. Mark Darmody, and representatives from the DPO, Ms Lianne Quigley, Mr. John Sherwin and Mr. Damien Walsh.

I will read a note on privilege and housekeeping matters before we begin. All 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 would 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 they comply with such a direction that I may make.

Members attending remotely are reminded of the constitutional requirements that to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. This is due to the constitutional requirement that, to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines or place where Parliament has chosen to sit. In this regard, I ask any members participating via Microsoft Teams to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex if they wish to contribute to the meeting.

I call Cara to make her opening statement.