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

Apologies have been received from Chris Hazzard MP and Senator Francis Black.

I wish to welcome in particular our newly elected members from the North who have joined us online, namely, Sorcha Eastwood MP, Dáire Hughes MP and Cathal Mallaghan MP. They are very welcome indeed.

I also pay tribute to Mickey Brady, Stephen Farry, Michelle Gildernew and Francie Molloy, former MPs who participated in our committees and brought their own experiences, knowledge and ability to communicate. Their capacity to meet people and share their experiences was very helpful and important to all of us. We will write to them to thank them for their service on behalf of the committee. They were very helpful to us.

I welcome our witnesses, Ms Ailbhe Smyth and Ms Emma DeSouza, to discuss women and constitutional change. I thank them both for their attendance.

I will 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 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 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. We have to read that before every meeting.

I call Ms Smyth to make her opening statement. She is very welcome indeed. Then we will hear from Ms DeSouza.