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

We are in public session. I remind members, witnesses and those in the Gallery of the need to switch off their mobile phones completely. This is because they interfere with the broadcasting and recording of proceedings. It is unfair to members of staff and those watching at home to be obliged to listen to interference on sound.

I congratulate the European Parliament on the vote which took place there yesterday in respect of the tobacco products directive. The Parliament has made a very significant decision, which builds on the work this committee has done and which reflects the decision taken by the Minister for Health during his Presidency of the European Council of Health Ministers. I compliment both the European Parliament and the Minister on the decision taken yesterday. I also thank the members of this committee for the work they did during our hearings on the tobacco industry and in respect of the plain packaging of tobacco products.

As members are aware, tomorrow is both the last day of February and Rare Diseases Day. As part of the initiative taken by this committee on behalf of all Irish citizens, and as originally proposed by Deputy Ó Caoláin, we have held a number of rare diseases information and awareness sessions as part of our work programme. We are very happy to continue that process at this meeting. Members will receive an in-depth briefing on the issues which arise in Ireland in the context of various rare diseases from groups which deal with them. I am aware that the groups represented at this meeting held a significant briefing session in the Mansion House yesterday and that a public awareness day will take place tomorrow in Belfast. It is appropriate that the committee is both facilitating and hosting this meeting as part of its work programme. I take this opportunity to welcome our guests, Ms Anne Lawlor, information and development officer with the Genetic and Rare Disorders Organisation, Dr. Seán Ennis, direct of UCD's Academic Centre on Rare Diseases, Professor Eileen Treacy, Ms Lorraine Dempsey, Mr. Declan McPhillips and Mr. Philip Watt. I also welcome the host of interested individuals who are present in the Gallery.

I take this opportunity to note that I have received apologies from Deputies Eamonn Maloney, Robert Dowds, Regina Doherty, Mary Mitchell O'Connor and Catherine Byrne and Senators Imelda Henry and Marc MacSharry.

I remind witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. If, however, they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in respect of 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 are 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. 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 or persons outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now call on Ms Lawlor to make her opening remarks.