Sir, – Jennifer Bray's report on the suspension of the meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Surrogacy raises questions about the impartiality of the committee ("Oireachtas surrogacy committee suspended after Senator accused of being 'disrespectful'", News, April 23rd).
It appears that voices who may be disapprove of the practice of commercial surrogacy are not welcome at the hearings. If this is true, it does not bode well for democracy.
Having listened to the exchanges at this meeting, it is evident that respect among some of members themselves was in short supply.
The notion of Oireachtas committee showing respect for those who come before it is quite novel, given that Oireachtas members of committees usually appear more interested in self-promotion than in listening to witnesses.
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The subject of commercial surrogacy needs a reasoned, balanced debate, not a shouting match. – Yours, etc,
MARGARET LEE,
Newport,
Co Tipperary.