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

I remind members to make balanced and fair remarks and to use temperate language. We should hold our debate in a balanced, fair and calm manner that befits the Houses of the Oireachtas. I thank them for their co-operation during the past three days. I ask members to focus their remarks on the Bill on a head-by-head basis.

I welcome Ms Caroline Simons, Mr. Tony O'Connor, Mr. Paul Brady and Dr. Simon Mills, who have given freely of their time to assist us. Every expert who has appeared before us - they are witnesses, not experts - has given of his or her time freely to assist us.

I remind members and witnesses of privilege, in 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 a 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 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, where possible, they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against either a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

We have 50 minutes for opening statements, with four speakers. I invite Dr. Mills to begin.