Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to continue our pre-legislative scrutiny on the general scheme of the assisted human reproduction Bill 2017. We will hear a presentation from LGBT Ireland. We invited representatives of the Iona Institute to this meeting but since the institute had made a presentation via Dr. Joanna Rose at our meeting on 19 December last, it did not propose to add to its testimony. On behalf of the committee, I welcome from LGBT Ireland, Dr. Lydia Bracken, legal adviser, and Ms Paula Fagan, chief executive.

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 the evidence they give to the joint committee. If, however, they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise witnesses that any opening statements they make to the committee may be published on its website after the 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Ms Fagan to make her opening statement.