Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have apologies from Senators Clonan and McGreehan.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the deprivation of liberty. I welcome on behalf of the committee representatives from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission: Dr. Rosaleen McDonagh, commissioner; and Adam Harris, commissioner. We also have Professor Gautam Gulati, consultant forensic psychiatrist and adjunct clinical full professor at the University of Limerick. He is welcome to the committee.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, 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 a 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 and it is imperative they do so.

Members are reminded of the parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity outside of the Houses in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Those contributing online must be within the precincts of Leinster House before they can contribute to public meetings.

Without further ado, I ask Mr. Harris to make his opening statement.