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

Apologies have been received from Senator Niall Blaney.

On behalf of the committee, I would very much like to welcome Dr. Claire Mitchell, author of The Ghost Limb: Alternative Protestants and the Spirit of 1798, to discuss women and constitutional change. I thank her very much for her attendance today. Before we begin, I need to explain, as is standard procedure, some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses with regard to references 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. However, witnesses or participants who are to give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that 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 asked to note that only evidence connected with the subject matter of the proceedings should be given and should respect directions given by the Chair. Witnesses should respect parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should neither criticise nor make charges against any persons, 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 person’s or entity’s good name.

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.

I call Dr. Mitchell to make her opening statement, please. She is very welcome.