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

We will begin consideration of the Institutional Burials Bill 2022. I welcome the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O’Gorman, and his officials to the meeting today.

I will now read the note on privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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 damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I would also like to remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not allow a member to participate where they are not adhering to that constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I would ask any member partaking via MS Teams that prior to making their contribution to the meeting they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

Please note that in order to limit the risk of spreading Covid-19, the Houses of the Oireachtas Service encourages all members, visitors and witnesses to continue to wear face masks when moving around the campus or when in close proximity to others.

In relation to the arrangements for taking the Bill, I would remind all members that should a vote be called, members must physically come to the committee room in order to vote. They will be notified of a vote. We are now going to commence consideration of the Bill. I would also like to say that any of the amendments that have been tabled by Sinn Féin will be moved and taken by Deputy Mark Ward. I will not be partaking in the debate so that I can chair the meeting.

We will get straight into it. There are no amendments on section 1.