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

The meeting is in public session. I remind members and witnesses to ensure their mobile telephones are switched off rather than left on silent mode because they interfere with the broadcasting equipment. Out of respect for the staff, we should have uninterrupted audio coverage of the recording of these proceedings.

I welcome Mr. Mike Glynn, chief executive officer, Epilepsy Ireland, Mr. Peter Murphy, deputy chief executive officer, and Dr. Peter Widdess-Walsh, a consultant neurologist. They are all welcome to our meeting.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in respect of a particular matter and they continue to so do, they will be entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, 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, or long-standing ruling of the Chair, 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 or her identifiable.

This morning we will discuss the issue pertaining to epilepsy in Ireland regarding the forthcoming Bill. I invite Mr. Glynn to make his opening remarks.