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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Tully and Senators Blaney and O'Hara. Also absent is committee member Deputy Tóibín, who is contesting the European elections. Clearly, he is at a count where his presence is required. I apologise to our guests. That is where we are today. It is an exceptional and unusual day. Counts have gone on far too long and that is why our members are absent. There is also an election in Northern Ireland. Ten Members of Parliament would normally attend our meetings online. There is a general election on in the UK and in the North and they cannot attend as they no longer hold the office of Members of Parliament. I apologise for their absence. As we agreed in committee, we would be delighted to visit the witnesses in Belfast as soon as we can to try to understand and appreciate fully all the excellent work they do.

I welcome Dr. Fabry and his students from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta who are in Dublin for a summer study programme at University College Dublin, UCD. They are observing the committee meeting as part of their course on human rights in international relations. They are all very welcome.

I will read the explanation of parliamentary privilege to our guests, which we must do before every meeting. Before we begin I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to another person or 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 the matter. Witnesses are also asked to note that only evidence connected with the subject matter should be given and should respect directions given by the Chair. They should also respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should neither criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity either 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. 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, her or it identifiable.

On behalf of the committee I would very much like to welcome Ms Eileen Weir, network co-ordinator, Shankill Women's Centre, and Ms Susan McCrory, managing director, Falls Women's Centre, to discuss women and constitutional change. I thank them both for their attendance today.

I now call Ms McCrory to make her opening statement followed by Ms Weir.