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

I apologise to witnesses for the delay and thank them for coming in. I remind members of the committee, witnesses and those in the Gallery, be they members of the media or members of the public, to ensure their mobile telephones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment even when they are on silent mode. They also interfere with the sound coming through headphones to members of staff.

The witnesses are very welcome to our second of the sessions on the heads of the protection of life during pregnancy Bill which the joint committee will be holding. I welcome representatives from the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Irish College of General Practitioners, the Irish Medical Council, the Irish Medical Organisation and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. They are all very welcome. I remind members and witnesses that the balance will be 20/30 and the Chair will be very strict about adhering to it during this session. I remind members of the need for balance and calm in the discussion we are having and of the requirements of respect and tolerance.

I remind members and witnesses that witnesses 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 on a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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 the proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or 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 to the effect that they should not criticise, comment on or make charges against any person or persons outside the House or to an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Professor Kieran Murphy of the Irish Medical Council to begin.