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

We will continue with our second session of pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the mother and baby institutions payments scheme Bill. In this session we are joined by representatives of Oak Conflict Dynamics, namely, Ms Mary Lou O'Kennedy, director; and Ms Estelle Varney, facilitator. From Concordia Consulting, we are joined by Mr. Ray Flaherty, facilitator and managing director; and from Treehouse Practice we are joined by: Dr. Sara O'Byrne, principal clinical psychologist; Ms Alanna Donnelly, psychologist in clinical training; and Dr. Yvonne Quinn, clinical psychologist, who is joining us online. The witnesses are all welcome and this will be a good session for us on this topic.

For witnesses who are appearing remotely via MS Teams, they are reminded that there is uncertainty if parliamentary privilege will apply to their evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. Therefore, if a witness is directed by me to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter, it is imperative he or she complies with any such direction. For witnesses who are participating from the committee room, they 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 relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

We will begin with our guests' opening statements, to be followed by a questions and answers session with members.