Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss issues relating to perinatal mental health. To enable the sub-committee to consider this matter, I am very pleased to welcome, from the Psychological Society of Ireland, PSI, Dr. Eithne Ní Longphuirt, senior clinical psychologist and chair of the PSI's special interest group in perinatal and infant mental health, and Dr. Jillian Doyle, senior clinical psychologist and member of the PSI’s special interest group in perinatal and infant mental health; from the HSE, Dr. Amir Niazi, national clinical adviser and group lead for mental health, and Dr. Margo Wrigley, national clinical lead, specialist perinatal mental health programme; and from the National Maternity Hospital, Professor Anthony McCarthy, consultant psychiatrist and perinatal mental health expert. The witnesses are all most welcome to the meeting. All those present in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

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.

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 any such direction be complied with.

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. Members are also reminded 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 them 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 any members partaking via MS Teams to confirm that they are on the grounds of Leinster House campus prior to making a contribution.

To commence our discussion, I invite Dr. Eithne Ní Longphuirt to make opening remarks on behalf of the Psychological Society of Ireland.