Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senator Mullen. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Professor Fidelma Ashe, professor of politics at the Transitional Justice Institute at Ulster University, to discuss women and constitutional change. I thank her for attending.

I have to read this note on parliamentary privilege. There are limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. However, witnesses and participants who are to give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts does and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Witnesses are asked to note that only evidence connected with the subject matter of the proceedings should be given and should respect directions given by the Chair. Witnesses should respect parliamentary practice to the effect, where possible, they should neither criticise nor make charges against any persons, person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity.

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 invite Professor Ashe to make her opening statement. For her information, thereafter we will go to members, who will have a maximum of ten minutes to discuss the issue with her. It is informal in that respect. The aim is to elicit and support, if we can, views she will express. She is very welcome.