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

I believe in starting committee meetings punctually every Thursday morning, although this is our third day. I thank members. We have a quorum of six members, at least one being from each House. Is it agreed that we begin in public session? Agreed.

I remind committee members, Members in the Gallery, witnesses and members of the media to switch off their mobile telephones instead of leaving them on silent, as they interfere with broadcasting.

I welcome everyone to our ninth session in the series of hearings that the Joint Committee on Health and Children has been asked to conduct to discuss and analyse the heads of the protection of life during pregnancy Bill. I ask committee members and non-members to be brief in their questions and relevant to the heads of the Bill. I will be strict with time today. I also want to be fair to people. I apologise to those who did not have an opportunity to contribute yesterday, in particular Deputy Maloney. I hope that he will have an opportunity today.