Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome everyone to our meeting. There are some formal notices that I have to read out relating to privilege. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the place in which Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. Today's business is petition No. P00014/25, reform Irish laws on pet theft 2025 with Ms Lisa O'Connor, petitioner, and Mrs. Louise O'Tuama and Ms Brenda Fitzpatrick, of the Working Animal Guardians, WAGs, group. I like WAGs which sounds pretty cool.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege, and the practice of the Houses as regards reference 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. They are again 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 that they comply with any such direction.

Before we hear from our witnesses, I propose we publish their opening statements on the committee’s website. Is that agreed? Agreed.

On behalf of the committee, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Ms O'Connor, Mrs. O'Tuama and Ms Fitzpatrick.

I ask Ms O'Connor to make her opening statement. It should be about ten minutes. We will then have time for questions, comments and engagement from committee members. I thank her for being here and giving her time.