Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members and those in the Visitors Gallery to ensure that their mobile telephones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment, even when on silent mode. They also cause a disturbance to members of staff and it would be unfair to them to have their hearing affected in any way.

We will deal with a number of issues this morning. We are joined by representatives from Fibromyalgia Sufferers of Ireland and Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland. I welcome to our meeting Ms Ann Mooney, Mr. John Maher, Ms Jude Bromley, Ms Edel Browne, Mr. George Kennedy and Ms Hazel McGeogh.

Before we commence the meeting I remind the witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee. However, if a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and the witness continues to so do, the witness is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of his or her evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and witnesses are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person or persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I ask Mr. John Maher, who is from Carlow, to make his opening remarks.