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

Okay. Thank you. Everyone is welcome. We will move to more serious matters. A very important element of our legislative programme is the public health (standardised packaging of tobacco) Bill. The Minister for Health has asked us to hold public hearings on it. This morning we heard from the Irish Cancer Society, the Irish Heart Foundation, the Asthma Society of Ireland, COPD Ireland and ASH Ireland. We have also heard from the Minister for Health and the Chief Medical Officer. A series of meetings is being held, including during the month of February, to discuss standardised, plain packaging.
I remind all present that mobile telephones should be turned off or put on airplane mode as they interfere with the broadcasting of the proceedings and they interfere with staff members. By now, people in the Visitors Gallery will have texted their friends to say the girls are now live on UPC channel 207 and on the Oireachtas channel.
By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, 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 relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 comment on, criticise or make charges against any 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 and ruling of the Chair to the effect that Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or any official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I welcome all witnesses and remind people that there is also an Oireachtas app which can be downloaded. We are in committee room No. 2.

I welcome everyone who is watching and listening via media, including social media.

I invite Ms O'Neill, Ms Gayson and Ms Maher to make their presentations, although I am unsure as to who will start.