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

The purpose of our meeting this morning is to discuss transgender health issues. I welcome all our witnesses, our guests, Ms Vanessa Lacy, Mr. Broden Giambrone, Dr. Philip Crowley, Ms Caoimhe Gleeson and Ms Louise Mullen. They are all very welcome to our meeting.

Before we commence I remind the witnesses of the position regarding 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 only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. Witnesses are asked to respect the parliamentary practice that where possible they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such as way as to make him or her identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice and ruling of the Chair to the effect that members should not criticise, comment on or make charges against any person or persons outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome all our guests this morning. As we approach the end of Pride Week in Dublin, it is appropriate that our committee convenes this morning to discuss the transgender health issues. I invite Ms Vanessa Lacey to make the opening remarks.