Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This morning we will continue our series of engagements on the reform of the family law system. From the Child Care Law Reporting Project we are joined by Dr. Carol Coulter, director, and Ms Maria Corbett, researcher. From Arc Mediation we are joined by Dr. Róisín O’Shea, director. From the council of the Bar of Ireland we are joined by Mr. Sean Ó hUallacháin, SC; Dr. Sarah Fennell, BL; and Ms Rachel Baldwin, BL.From Treoir we are joined by Dr. Ruth Barrington, chairperson; Mr. Damien Peelo, CEO; and Ms Mary Roche, policy officer. All of the delegates are most welcome.

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 joint committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 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.

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 Dr. Coulter to make the first opening statement.