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

We will now resume in public session. I remind witnesses, Members and those in the Public Gallery to switch off their mobile phones. This is our eighth session in our series of hearings on the heads of the protection of life during pregnancy Bill. I thank Mr. John Saunders, Dr. Janice Walsh, Ms Eileen Lawrence and, when he arrives, Dr. Kevin Walsh, who are here today to assist us in our analysis of the heads of the Bill. I hope Members will come in to the Chamber for this session because our witnesses have come to this meeting voluntarily. I thank the witnesses for their attendance and apologise for the late start.

Before we commence, 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 on a particular matter but they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter to only a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected to the subject matter of this meeting is to be given and 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 House or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Dr. Kevin Walsh has sent his apologies - he hopes to be here by 7 p.m. I now invite Mr. John Saunders to make his opening statement.