David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputies Niall Collins, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn and John Paul Phelan and Senators Ivana Bacik, Denis O'Donovan and Martin Conway. The purpose of today's meeting is a discussion with representatives from Alcohol Action Ireland and Professor Tim Stockwell in relation to a possible solutions-based approach to public order offences from an alcohol misuse perspective.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Suzanne Costello and Professor Joe Barry, Alcohol Action Ireland who are accompanied by Professor Tim Stockwell from the Centre for Addiction Research, British Colombia University of Victoria. In terms of format, we will commence with opening statements of approximately five minutes following which there will be a questions and answers session with members. I understand Ms Costello will be making the initial contribution and that we will then hear from Professor Stockwell. I remind members and witnesses to ensure their mobile phones are switched off as they interfere with the sound system even if on silent mode.

Before we commence I wish to remind people of the position regarding privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses 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 comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice or ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now invite Ms Costello to make her opening statement.