Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the meeting today is for the joint committee to discuss the general scheme of the health (termination of pregnancy services (safe access zones)) Bill, which has been referred to us for pre-legislative scrutiny. The committee has already met officials from the Department of Health in relation to the Bill and we received a number of submissions from key stakeholders. To enable the committee to consider this matter further, I am pleased to welcome representatives from An Garda Síochána, Ms Anne Marie McMahon, deputy commissioner, policing and security; Ms Kate Mulkerrins, executive director; Mr. Michael McNamara, superintendent; and online, Ms Helen Deely, superintendent; and possibly Ms Paula Hilman, assistant commissioner. They are all very welcome.

All 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 any of 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.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against persons 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 will not 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 will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask members partaking via MS Teams to confirm, prior to making their contributions, that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

I invite Deputy Commissioner McMahon to make her opening remarks.