Good morning everyone. I welcome you all to this public meeting of the Joint Committee on Autism.
Before we start our business, I will read some formal notices. All those present in the room are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit, namely Leinster House, 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 the precinct will be asked to leave the meeting.
For the information of our witnesses, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references they may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or of those who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to both the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. They are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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, where statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, witnesses will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.
For the information of the members, a motion will be considered by the Dáil and Seanad today to the effect of extending the reporting deadline of this committee until 1 June. This will allow us to hold a number of additional meetings with additional stakeholders.
I propose that the usual arrangements will apply in this meeting. Our witnesses will be asked to make their opening statements for approximately five minutes. We will then have questions and answers with the members who will each have a minimum of five minutes. Members may speak more than once if we have additional time afterwards. Members will be called as per the week three speaking slot which was circulated to all members. Is that agreed? Agreed.