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

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Gallery to have their mobile telephones turned off or in flight mode because they interfere with the broadcasting of proceedings and it is unfair to members of staff who must endure the noise in their headsets.

The first of two sessions this morning deals with the issue of HIV and AIDS. Last Sunday was World AIDS Day and it is timely that we as a committee convene to discuss this issue and our strategy regarding HIV and AIDS. In this regard, I welcome all of the witnesses to the meeting. I will not go through all of their names individually now but I will welcome them all again later. It is important that we give this topic consideration and discussion. I would ask members making presentations to keep within the five-minute allocation because there is a large number of witnesses who want to give testimony and there will be questions as well.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected to the matters under discussion should be given and are 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 parliamentary practice and 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 welcome Dr. Tony Holohan, the Chief Medical Officer, and ask him to make his presentation.