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

As we have a quorum we will begin in public session. I thank all present for being here bright and early on a Monday morning and I particularly welcome our guests. I remind everybody that mobile phones should be switched off rather than being in silent mode as they interfere with the broadcasting of proceedings, which is unfair to the staff. This is our fifth session in the series of hearings which the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children has been asked to conduct in discussing the heads of the protection of life during pregnancy Bill 2013.

I welcome the witnesses to the meeting this morning, as they are here to assist us in analysing the heads of the Bill. I welcome Dr. Anne Jeffers, Dr. Maeve Doyle, Dr. Joanne Fenton, Dr. Anthony McCarthy and Dr. John Sheehan, who will be here shortly. I remind members that we are discussing the heads of the Bill and any comments or questions should be referenced to those heads. To members in particular I say that the language we use should be temperate and moderate, and we should try to avoid being unfair to each other and witnesses. I would appreciate if members could keep that at the back of their minds. I will be very strict with time today, as I reviewed the hearings on Friday. The time allocations will be 70 minutes and 30 minutes and I will end the sessions at the appropriate times. That will mean some members will not be able to make a contribution at certain times, for which I apologise in advance, but we must be fair in the application of time.

Before beginning 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 or ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not criticise, comment on or make charges against either a person or persons outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

There are 50 minutes for opening statements so I ask Dr. McCarthy to begin.