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

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Visitors Gallery that all mobile telephones should be switched off or put on airplane mode for the duration of this meeting because they interfere with the broadcasting of proceedings and cause unnecessary disturbance to staff members' headsets.
The meeting has been convened to discuss adoption in Ireland. This morning we will have the opportunity to engage with a range of organisations working on the issues regarding adoption in Ireland. I welcome to the meeting Ms Maria Corbett from the Children's Rights Alliance; Ms Susan Lohan, co-founder, and Ms Edel Byrne from the Adoption Rights Alliance; Ms Ruth Lennon, chairperson, and Ms Trish Connolly from the International Adoption Association; and Mr. Kiernan Gildea, acting CEO, and Ms Celia Loftus from the Adoption Authority of Ireland.
I advise that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and continues to do so, the witness is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of his or her evidence. Witnesses 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 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 are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I invite Ms Maria Corbett to make her opening remarks.