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

We will resume in public session for the fourth and final part of today's discussion and analysis of the heads of the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill 2013. I remind Members and witnesses to ensure their mobile telephones are tuned off as they interfere with broadcasting, which is unfair to members of staff. I welcome Dr. Gerard Burke of the Mid-Western Regional Maternity Hospital, Limerick; Dr. Mary McCaffrey of Kerry General Hospital in Tralee; Dr. Máire Milner of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; and Dr. John Monaghan of Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe. I thank them for attending these hearings and apologise for the delay in commencing this session. I hope the delay has not discommoded them too much.

Before we commence, witnesses are advised 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 entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are further directed that only evidence connected with the matters under discussion is to be given. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person 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 comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on Dr. Gerard Burke to make his opening statement.