Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We will now go into public session. We are meeting this morning with acknowledged experts in the area of human fertility as part of our ongoing pre-legislative scrutiny of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2017. On behalf of the committee I welcome Dr. John Waterstone, president of the Irish Fertility Society, Professor Mary Wingfield, Merrion Fertility Clinic, and Dr. John Kennedy, National Fertility Centre, Rotunda Hospital. I draw your attention to section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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 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 or her identifiable.

I also wish to advise you that any opening statements you have made to the committee may be published on the committee's website after this meeting. 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 of the Houses or any official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I call on Dr. John Waterstone to make his opening statement.