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

I remind delegates, members and those in the Visitors Gallery that mobile phones must be switched off as they interfere with the broadcasting of the meeting. They are also a source of interference for members of staff who must wear headsets and it is not fair on them if they are left on. I welcome viewers watching on UPC.

Apologies have been received from Deputies Ciara Conway, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and Mary Mitchell O'Connor and Senator Imelda Henry.

Our discussion today is with the Irish Medicines Board, IMB. I welcome its chief executive, Mr. Pat O'Mahony, as well as Dr. Joan Gilvarry, Mr. John Lynch, Ms Ann Tobin, Ms Orla Keane, Mr. Nigel Fox and Ms Siobhán Molloy. It is always welcome to have the board on the same path as the committee because its representatives are always very frank, honest, open and positive in discussion. I thank Mr. O'Mahony and his team for coming before the joint committee.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children welcomes the co-operation of the Irish Medicines Board to participate regularly with it. Members regularly seek to invite the board to come before the committee to discuss items of concern. Recently the committee raised concerns about DePuy hip replacements, PIP breast implants and the importance of illegal prescription medication. We look forward to hearing an update on these issues. In April we met the board to discuss the issue of organ donation and on Thursday will formulate our response to the Government consultative process regarding the move to a soft opt-out system of organ donation. The delegates may comment on this, but they do not have to do so.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the joint 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 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 and 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 Mr O'Mahony to make his opening remarks.