Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Tá fáilte romhaibh go léir. Apologies have been received from Senator Ruane and Deputy Ward. Deputy Devine is attending as a substitute for Deputy Ward. I remind members to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode.

The purpose of this meeting is engagement stakeholders as part of the committee's pre-legislative scrutiny of the guardianship of infants (amendment) Bill 2025, also known as Valerie's law. The committee has received nine submissions on the general scheme, all of which have been circulated, and a document summarising the submissions has been prepared for the assistance of members. That has also been circulated and all the information is available on the Teams channel.

On behalf of the committee, I extend a very warm welcome to Mr. David French. He is if not unique, then certainly one of a few guests who have appeared before an Oireachtas committee who can say the subject of the discussion is primarily, I would argue, down to their campaigning. Also in attendance are officials from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. They are only attending as observers to assist the committee if clarification is needed on the general scheme, but they are very welcome. They are Ms Lisa Doherty, principal officer, and Mr. Chris Quattrociocchi, assistant principal officer, and are available to answer any member's questions.

Before I invite Mr. French to deliver his opening statement, I wish to advise those present about parliamentary privilege. Witnesses and members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any 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 they comply with any such direction.

The format of the meeting is that I will invite Mr. French to make an opening statement. Once the opening statement has been delivered, I will call members of the committee to put their questions in the order in which they indicate to me. I propose each member will have an initial eight minutes to engage with the witnesses via questions and answers. When time allows, we will provide for a second round. I invite Mr. French to deliver his opening statement.