Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to resume our pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill 2017. Previous meetings took place on 17 January and 28 February last. Today we will hear from two former members of the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction, Professor Deirdre Madden, from the school of law at University College Cork, UCC, and Professor Nóirín Hayes, from the school of education, Trinity College Dublin, TCD. We will also hear from Ms Marian Barnard and Ms Gillian Keegan from the National Infertility Support and Information Group, NISIG, and Ms Emma O'Friel and Dr. Joanne Rose who will give some donor conceived perspectives.

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 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.

I advise witnesses that any opening statements made to the committee may be published on its 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 the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Professor Madden to make her opening statement.