Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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Once again, the purpose of this afternoon’s session of the meeting is to continue our pre-Committee Stage scrutiny of the Parental Bereavement Leave (Amendment) Bill 2021. The principle aim of this Private Members’ Bill is to make provision for an entitlement to bereavement leave to an employee who has been bereaved of a child. This leave entitlement should be for a period of not less than ten working days for a child under the age of 18 and should also include a stillborn child born after 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Joining us in the second session of the meeting is Ms Nina Doyle, regional co-ordinator and parent representative with Féileacáin. Féileacáin is a charity that represents bereaved parents who have suffered the loss of a baby through stillbirth or neonatal death. We also have Ms Caroline Smith and Mr. Martin Smith, who are campaigners for a certificate of life for babies born before 24 weeks of pregnancy. They are all very welcome. We really appreciate them being with us. Deputy Cronin, who is the sponsor of the Bill, is staying on for this session as well.

I again need to run through the parliamentary privilege part. 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. 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 that they comply with any such direction. I also wish to inform witnesses that the opening statements will be followed by questions and answers with our members.

I invite Ms Doyle to deliver her opening statement.