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

I thank everybody for attending this afternoon. I remind Members and witnesses to ensure their mobile phones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting and sound recording equipment making it uncomfortable for members of staff. This is our 11th session of 12 in our series of hearings that the Joint Committee on Health and Children has been asked to conduct in the analysis of the heads of the protection of life during pregnancy Bill. I thank the members for their attendance in the past three days. I again remind everybody regarding time. I ask people to be cognisant of the language and terminology we use. We should be temperate, moderate and respectful of each other and in particular of our expert panel of witnesses who have come here voluntarily today to assist us in our analysis of the heads of the Bill.

I welcome Dr. Ciaran Craven, Dr. Ruth Fletcher and Ms Sunniva McDonagh. I thank them for giving of their time to assist us today. I remind members and witnesses about privilege. 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 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 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.

I ask Dr. Craven to give his opening remarks.