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

I welcome everybody to our session. I remind members, witnesses, Members in the Gallery and media that mobile phones should be turned off for the duration of the hearings as they interfere with the recording of proceedings.

You all are welcome to the session. This is the fourth session in our series of hearings that the joint committee is conducting over three days to discuss the implementation of the Government decision following the recent publication of the expert group report into matters relating to A, B and C v. Ireland. In that regard, I welcome the following: from the Irish Family Planning Association, Mr. Niall Behan, chief executive; from the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Professor Robert Harrison, chairman, Dr. Meabh Ní Bhuinneain and Professor Fionnuala McAuliffe; and from Maternal Death Enquiry Ireland, Professor Richard Greene. I also welcome Dr. Caitríona Henchion, medical director of the Irish Family Planning Association.

I remind witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter to only qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person or persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice and ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I again welcome Mr. Niall Behan and ask him to make his opening remarks. He has ten minutes.