Keira Keogh (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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We have received apologies from Deputy Ennis and Senators Bradley, Keogan and Cosgrove.

This morning, we are resuming our consideration of Ireland's pathway to incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNCRC, into Irish law. I am pleased to welcome Professor Conor O'Mahony from the school of law at UCC, Dr. Aisling Parkes, the special rapporteur on child protection, and Professor Ursula Kilkelly from the school of law at UCC. You are all very welcome this morning to the meeting.

We are looking forward to engaging again on this topic, especially with our expert witnesses, and hearing their views on the implementation of the UNCRC into Irish law. As this is Dr. Parkes’s first appearance before the committee, we wish her the best of luck in her role. I thank her for coming to the committee today. We look forward to many future engagements on child protection matters.

Before we begin, there a couple of housekeeping matters. I think we have one or two members on MS Teams. They are very well aware of the constitutional requirement to be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex.

In advance of our witnesses delivering their opening statements, I advise them of the following in respect of parliamentary privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. This means that they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty, as Cathaoirleach, to ensure that the privilege is not abused. 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.

Witnesses will be allocated three minutes for their opening statements. The timer is just under the clock. I will call them in the following order: Professor O'Mahony, Dr. Parkes and Professor Kilkelly. Professor O'Mahony may start his opening statement now.