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

I remind members, witnesses, members of the media and those in the Visitors' Gallery to please ensure that mobile phones are switched off for the duration of this meeting, because they interfere with the broadcasting equipment even when they are in silent mode.

Everyone present is very welcome to this afternoon's hearing. This is the seventh session in the series of hearings that the committee will continue for the next two days to discuss the implementation of the Government decision following the recent publication of the expert group report on the matters raised in A, B and C v. Ireland. I welcome Professor William Binchy and the Honourable Mrs. Justice Catherine McGuinness and I thank them for their presence 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 call on Professor Binchy to make his opening remarks. We have circulated his prepared remarks to Members. Mrs. Justice McGuinness does not have prepared remarks to circulate.