Mary Seery Kearney (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and I thank our witnesses for coming in to the committee. I congratulate our witnesses on an exceptional piece of research and a very comprehensive report. I have three questions which I will try to keep as brief as possible. The first concerns language which Ms Ryan-O'Brien spoke about in her opening statement. I ask her to elaborate upon, specifically, the use of the term "birth mother".

I note that Aitheantas sees legislation in this area as transformative and as affording an opportunity for restorative justice. I ask our guests to elaborate on that.

The second point is that Aitheantas holds a strong position regarding the need for a new agency. Its views in that regard are compelling. Perhaps our guests will take the opportunity to elaborate on them.

Finally, the legislation in this area is about a balancing of rights. First and foremost is the unequivocal right to birth information of an adoptee or the person seeking that information. A balancing of rights in the context of privacy also lies at the heart of the legislation. I ask our guests elaborate on their views in that regard as well, please.