Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

We have two sessions today. In the first we will look at the particular issues faced by same sex couples, both male and female, in entering international surrogacy arrangements and achieving parental recognition. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Lydia Bracken, assistant dean for equality, diversity and inclusion in the faculty of arts, humanities and social sciences of the University of Limerick, who will be joining us via Teams, and the representatives from Irish Gay Dads, Mr. Gearóid Kenny Moore and Mr. Shane Lennon, whom I thank for attending.

Before we begin, I have a note on housekeeping matters and another on privilege. Witnesses 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 may be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

For witnesses attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings a witness who is physically present does. Witnesses participating in this meeting from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised that they should also be mindful of their domestic law and how it may apply to the evidence they give.

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 remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. I cannot permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts of Leinster House will be asked to leave the meeting. I ask any member participating via Microsoft Teams to confirm prior to making his or her contribution that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I wish to remind everyone that masks should continue to be worn throughout the meeting by all present and should only be removed when speaking.

I invite Dr. Bracken to make her opening statement.