Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We will resume our pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the birth information and tracing Bill. I welcome the representatives of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, IHREC, which will address the committee virtually via MS Teams. They are Ms Sinéad Gibney, chief commissioner, Professor Ray Murphy, a commission member, and Ms Maria Mullan, senior research and policy officer. The purpose of the proposed legislation is to enshrine in law the importance of an individual knowing his or her origin.

I must advise the witnesses about parliamentary privilege. As all of the witnesses are appearing before the committee virtually, I need to point out that there is uncertainty if parliamentary privilege will apply to evidence given from a location outside the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. Therefore, if they are directed by me to cease giving evidence about a particular matter, it is imperative that they comply with such direction.

The witnesses will be allocated three minutes' speaking time. Since we are under time constraints, I must adhere to the time allocation strictly. The opening statement will be followed by a questions and answers session with members. The speaking rota was circulated and will be the same as the previous one.

I invite Ms Gibney to deliver her opening statement.