Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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A delegation from the Czech Republic has been unable to join us. We wish its members all the best on their journey home tomorrow morning.

Next on the agenda is the approval of the minutes of the previous meeting. The minutes were deferred so we are okay.

I will read some formal notices before going any further. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place in which Parliament has chosen sit to, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the parliamentary precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

The next business is our engagement with Ms Gráinne McLoughlin, petitioner, on Petition No. P00060/24 regarding voting for Irish-born citizens abroad. Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege, and the practices 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. Witnesses 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 with regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

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

On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to the witnesses, Ms Gráinne McLoughlin, the petitioner, and Ms Caitriona Nolan. They are welcome. Ms McLoughlin is here to discuss her petition regarding her feeling that the Government should allow Irish-born citizens their right to vote as stated in the ninth amendment to the Irish Constitution. Voting rights in Ireland are rigid in comparison with other EU member states. Ms McLoughlin has submitted an opening statement. It will be taken as read and has been published.

In 2006, 36 European countries allowed their overseas immigrants to vote. Postal ballots have been suggested but in the current digital environment, voting can take place by digital means. Failing this, voting can take place in person in consulates and embassies. There is increasing globalisation and it is disenfranchising of Ireland to not allow voting rights to its citizens abroad. Half of those emigrating are in the age group of 25 to 44, and a huge number of Ireland's young voices are not being heard in elections. Irish emigrants are not losing touch with Ireland because of fast improvements in technology such as the Internet. Those who intend to return have a right to continue to have a say in how their country is run. The accelerating trend globally is towards allowing overseas citizens to vote in all elections. Ireland has the most restrictive voting rights in the world in terms of overseas voting. Inclusivity means that all voices, including those of Irish citizens living abroad, should be heard.

Members will now have the opportunity to ask questions of Ms McLoughlin. Each member will have ten minutes and we will allow people to come back in if they want to speak more than once.