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

Apologies have been received from Deputies Ó Caoláin, Kelleher - both of whom are in the Dáil for Question Time with the Minister - Conway and Maloney. Deputy Fitzpatrick sent a message to the effect that he is stuck in traffic and apologises for being late.

The purpose of this meeting is to resume our pre-legislative scrutiny on the general scheme of adoption (information and tracing) Bill. It is our second hearing on this important general scheme of the Bill, which deals with a complex and sensitive area. For many of us, I suppose it is an area that is also personal in that relates to the lives of those we know and love. In that context, the meeting this morning is important. I welcome those who are watching and listening to proceedings in a variety of ways. The purpose of these hearings is to allow the committee to consider the heads of the Bill and to meet a range of organisations. To our first session this morning, I welcome Dr. Geoffrey Shannon, chairman of the Adoption Authority of Ireland, and Ms Patricia Carey, its chief executive.

Before we begin, I remind witnesses 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 they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they 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 comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or an 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 Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Dr. Shannon to make his opening remarks.