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

The purpose of today's meeting is for the committee to consider the issue of services for the treatment of endometriosis. To enable the committee to consider this matter, I am pleased to welcome, from the Endometriosis Association of Ireland Mr. Damien Donoghue, chairperson; Ms Illanna Darcy, vice chairperson; Ms Bebhinn Nic Liam, secretary; Dr. Geraldine Canny, board member; and Ms Breda McMahon, treasurer.

I will read a note on privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the longstanding parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against a 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.

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 to confirm, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

To commence our consideration of issues relating to endometriosis, I invite Mr. Damien Donoghue to make his opening remarks on behalf of the Endometriosis Association of Ireland.