Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members of the committee, members of the media and witnesses that mobile telephones should be turned off for the duration of the meeting to facilitate the broadcasting of these proceedings.

This is the third session of a series of hearings the joint committee will conduct over the next three days to discuss the implementation of the Government decision following the publication of the expert group report into matters relating to the A, B and C v. Ireland case. I welcome Dr. Anthony McCarthy, Dr. Joanne Fenton and Dr. John Sheehan, College of Psychiatry Ireland, Professor Patricia Casey from the department of adult psychiatry in UCD and the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, and Professor Veronica O'Keane, department of psychiatry in Tallaght Hospital and Trinity College Dublin. Thank you for attending the meeting this afternoon.

Before commencing, I remind witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are thereafter entitled only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. Witnesses are further asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members of the committee are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice and rulings of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Dr. McCarthy top make the opening presentation.