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

Deputy Bríd Smith will deputise for Deputy Gino Kenny, Senator Sherlock will deputise for Senator Hoey and Senator Ruane will deputise for Senator Black.

Draft minutes of the committee meetings on 23 and 24 May 2023 have been circulated to members. Are they agreed? Agreed. We have some agreement this morning.

The main purpose of the meeting is to consider the report of the review of the operation of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018. The report, which was commissioned by the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, was referred to the committee by him for consideration. To assist the committee's consideration of the report, I am pleased to welcome Ms Marie O'Shea, barrister-at-law, the chair of the review. Ms O'Shea is accompanied by Dr. Catherine Conlon, assistant professor in social studies at Trinity College Dublin.

All those present in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility in protecting themselves and others from contracting Covid-19.

I will read a note a privilege. 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 by myself to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members are also 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 also 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 any members taking part via MS Teams that, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

We will commence our discussion. I invite Ms O'Shea to make her opening remarks. She is very welcome.