Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful to members for agreeing to a meeting at this time, which is not our usual time, and under the constraints of virtuality. Following on from our meeting with Dóchas and others last October regarding the implementation of the UN's sustainable development goals, SDGs, it is timely and right that we have the opportunity today to discuss SDG 5, achieving gender equality. On behalf of the committee, I am very pleased to welcome: Ms Mary Van Lieshout, deputy CEO of GOAL; Ms Karol Balfe, head of tackling violence and building peace at Christian Aid Ireland; Ms Maeve Taylor, director of advocacy and communications of the Irish Family Planning Association, IFPA; Ms Louise Winstanley of ABColombia; and Ms Suzanne Keatinge, CEO, and Ms Louise Finan, head of policy, of Dóchas. I particularly welcome Ms Muna Abbas, country director with Plan International, who joins us from Jordan.

I begin with a brief word on our format in terms of privilege and process. Witnesses and guests are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that 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, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as in any way adverse or damaging to the good name of any person or entity. Therefore, if statements are potentially defamatory in regard to an identifiable person or entity, speakers will be directed to discontinue their remarks. I am sure there will be no need to make any such direction and, if there is, that it will be complied with immediately. For any of our witnesses who are attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus, which I understand is all of them, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege. As such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as would a witness who is physically present. Guests participating in this committee session from a jurisdiction outside the State are further advised to be mindful of domestic law and how it might apply to any evidence given or tendered.

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 also remind members that they are only allowed to participate in the meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex.

I draw it to the attention of anyone watching this meeting online that some Oireachtas Members and witnesses are accessing this meeting in a remote format. Due to the unprecedented circumstances and the large number of people attending the meeting remotely, I ask that everybody exercise forbearance in the event of any technical issues that may arise and interfere with proceedings.

I call on Ms Van Lieshout to give her opening remarks and introduce us to the other witnesses, who may then give their opening remarks. After that, we will proceed to observations and questions from committee members. I ask members and guests to be mindful that we must bring our proceedings to a conclusion within a period of two hours from when the meeting started, in accordance with Covid regulations. Ms Van Lieshout has the floor and she is very welcome.