David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will resume our discussion with some of those who have made written submissions on the heads of the children and family relationships Bill. On behalf of the joint committee, I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Deirdre Madden from UCC; Ms Margaret Dromey and Ms Margot Doherty from Treoir; Dr. Thomas Finegan and Ms Marion Boteju from Family and Life; Dr. Fergus Ryan and Ms Sandra Irwin-Gowran from the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network; Ms Saoirse Brady from the Children's Rights Alliance; Ms Orla O'Connor from the National Women's Council of Ireland; Ms June Tinsley from Barnardos; Mr. Brian Merriman from the Equality Authority; and Ms Moninne Griffith and Ms Justine Quinn from Marriage Equality. We are again joined by Ms Carol Baxter and Ms Dara Breathnach from the Department of Justice and Equality.

The format of the meeting is that we will invite every group to make an opening statement of five minutes duration. I ask delegates to try to stay within the time limit and focus on the most salient points of concern. The opening statements will be followed by a question and answer session with committee members who may come and go as other duties in the Houses demand.

Due to the number of witnesses I ask everyone to wait until he or she is called to speak so that the microphone can be activated and the television camera can be moved into position. Witnesses will be on the telly and those transcribing the meeting can ensure that evidence is attributed to the appropriate witness. Please turn off mobile phones completely or at least put them on aeroplane mode. Silent mode is not enough. Mobile phones can interfere with the broadcasting system and if the phone goes off when one is speaking those watching on television do not know what witnesses are saying. It does not look good. That advice is for everyone in the room including members, or should I say especially members.
I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members should also be aware that under the salient rulings of the Chair they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Is it agreed that opening statements can be made available to the media due to the significant interest in the matter today? Agreed. Without further ado I invite Dr. Madden to make her opening remarks.