Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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We are going to move into the third session of our meeting with representatives of Aitheantas and I welcome Ms Maree Ryan-O’Brien and Mr. Rody O’Brien. The purpose of this session of the meeting is to engage in respect of the recently published report Adoptee Voices which was based on survey results carried out by Aitheantas on adoptee identity rights.

Before I call on Ms Ryan-O’Brien I will need to read through the parliamentary privilege piece. As all witnesses are appearing before the committee virtually, I need to point out that there is uncertainty if parliamentary privilege will apply to their evidence from a location outside of the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. Therefore, if they are directed by me to cease giving evidence on a particular matter, it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Our witnesses will have three minutes speaking time and there will then be questions and answers with the members of the committee. Just before I ask our witnesses to give their opening statement, I advise that there is now a session in progress in the Seanad and in the Dáil so some members will be dipping in and out of the meeting. I ask that our witnesses be aware that we will all be paying attention and we can watch back on the contributions. We appreciate both of our witnesses being with us today. I call now on Ms Ryan-O’Brien for her opening statement.