I welcome all to the 53rd meeting of the Joint Committee on Autism and our 23rd and final public meeting. We will have one more private meeting on Thursday morning next at 10 a.m. Apologies have been received from Deputy Ó Cathasaigh.
Before we start our business, I will read some formal notices. All those present in the committee 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 they 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 he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.
For the information of our witnesses, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards reference they may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or 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 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 a person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is important that they comply with any such direction.
For today's business, I propose the following arrangements. Witnesses will make their opening statements for five minutes. There will then be questions and answers from the members. Each member will have five minutes for both questions and answers. Should we have sufficient time afterwards, members may speak again. The week 3 list has been circulated on Microsoft Teams with regard to the rota.
In our first session, we have representatives from Family Carers Ireland. It will run until 12.25 p.m. We will have a break of five minutes and resume at 12.30 p.m. for our second session, which is online with officials from the Scottish Government. At the request of the working group of Cathaoirligh, we will finish the meeting at 2 p.m.
Before we hear from the witnesses, I propose we publish their opening statements on the committee website. Is that agreed? Agreed.
During the second session with the Scottish Parliament, I have been selected to speak in the Seanad on a Commencement matter, so I will have to leave at roughly 1 p.m. or 1.05 p.m. until 1.15 p.m. I propose Deputy Buckley be elected Acting Chairperson for that period. Is that agreed? Agreed.
The first item on the agenda is approval of the minutes of the meetings held on 18 May, 23 May and 25 May. Is that agreed? Agreed.
The second item on the agenda is consideration of autism policy, resumed.