Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Gerry Martin and Ms Gráinne McGettrick from the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Mr. John Dunne from the Carers Association, Mr. John Bryan, Mr. Tom Doyle and Mr. Pat Smith from the Irish Farmers' Association, and Mr. Michael Harty from Home and Community Care Ireland. The submissions received and a summary paper were circulated to members in advance of the meeting. Each group will make brief introductory comments not exceeding three minutes and we will then proceed to the question and answer session.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. If they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, the Carers Association, Home and Community Care Ireland and the Irish Farmers' Association to make brief comments in that order.