Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I welcome everybody. In this session, our second today, we will be considering the rights and regularising the position of existing children born through international surrogacy, the role of legal advice and arrangements for the verification of documents issued in other countries. On behalf of the committee, I welcome: Ms Maeve Delargy and Ms Ranae von Meding from Equality for Children; Ms Gillian Keegan, from the National Infertility Support and Information Group; and Ms Cathy Wheatley and Ms Ciara Merrigan, from Irish Families Through Surrogacy.

All 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 might 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.

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

I invite Ms von Meding to make her opening statement.