Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I welcome our guests. We will have two sessions today. In our first session we will consider the potential for double standards in the protections afforded to surrogate mothers in domestic arrangements. We will also consider the question of protecting the rights of the child and existing children to their history and identity, including their genetic, gestational and social origins. On behalf of the committee I welcome Professor Susan Golombok from the Centre for Family Research at the University of Cambridge, Professor Deirdre Madden from University College Cork, UCC, and Dr. Brian Tobin, from National University of Ireland, NUI, Galway.

Before we begin, I will deal with the issue of privilege and some housekeeping matters. 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 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. There are limitations to parliamentary privilege for witnesses attending remotely outside of the Leinster House campus and they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present. Witnesses participating in this committee session from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised that they should also be mindful of their own domestic law and how it might apply to the evidence that 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 in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit members to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard I ask members participating via Microsoft Teams that prior to making a contribution to the meeting they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

Again, I welcome everyone here this morning. I will invite Professor Golombok to make her opening statement first because I understand she must leave the meeting by 10.30 a.m. Then I will call on our other two witnesses.