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

I welcome everyone to the meeting. This is the ninth session of the hearings of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children 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. At each session up to and including this morning's, we heard thoughtful and considered submissions which have been followed by sensitive engagement and discussion, and this approach has facilitated the hearings, which have been constructive and informative.

For the purposes of clarity, I will set out again the background and intended role these hearings are playing in this important discourse. We are here 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 by way of legislation and regulation within the parameters of the current constitutional provisions. The Government has stated that the aim of its action on this matter is to ensure clarity and legal certainty in the process for determination of whether a termination of pregnancy is permissible in cases where there is a real and substantial risk to the life, as opposed to the health, of a woman as a result of a pregnancy. In doing so we must ensure that we take full account of Article 40.3.3° of the Constitution. I thank everybody for participating in this session and ask that we continue our engagement in a calm and tolerant way, respecting the various opinions and views.

I am pleased to welcome the following: from the Pro Life Campaign, Ms Caroline Simons and Dr. Berry Kiely; from Youth Defence, Dr. Eoghan de Faoite and Dr. Seán Ó Domhnaill; from Family and Life, Mr. Patrick Carr and Mr. David Manley; and from the Iona Institute, Ms Breda O'Brien and Ms Maria Steen. I thank them for being here and for making themselves available.

Before we commence, I remind members, witnesses, Members in the Visitors' Gallery and media that mobile phones should be turned off. I remind witnesses and members of the position on privilege. Witnesses 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 they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 they are 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 or ruling 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 either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I welcome Ms Caroline Simons from the Pro Life Campaign and thank her for attending. She may begin. She has seven minutes.