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

I ask witnesses to keep their presentations tight because we want to hear their views and the question and answer session is very useful. Their submissions will form part of the document that will be sent to the Minister. I welcome the witnesses. This is our final session on the pre-legislative scrutiny on the heads of the Adoption (Information and Tracing ) Bill 2015. I thank them for giving us their time and participating in this morning’s meeting. Given the complexity and sensitivity of the Bill, I hope these hearings help people watching and listening at home and following our deliberations online and on social media.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact 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 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 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, 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 parliamentary practice 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 welcome Ms Mary Slattery and Mr. Tom Walsh from Know My Own, and Mr. Martin Parfrey. I should disclose that Mary and I are friends and go back a long way in case any conflict of interest is perceived. I invite Mary to make her opening remarks.