Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this morning’s engagement is to hear the views of two bodies, Alcohol Action Ireland and the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, on the sponsorship of sports and cultural events by the drinks industry. The joint committee will hold a further meeting on the issue with other interest groups, probably next week. On its behalf, I welcome Dr. Bobby Smyth and Professor Joe Barry of Alcohol Action Ireland and Dr. William Flannery and Dr. Eamon Keenan of the Faculty of Addiction Psychiatry, College of Psychiatrists of Ireland.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. If they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person or persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The submissions made to the committee and opening statements will be published on its website after the meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Dr. Smyth and Professor Barry of Alcohol Action Ireland to make the first presentation. They will be followed by the representatives of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland.