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

The purpose of this part of the meeting is to engage with the Irish Institute of Naturopathic Medicine on the topic of suicide prevention in prisons. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Ms Maureen Mulligan and Mr. Phil Garland to the meeting. The witnesses are invited to make opening statements lasting approximately five minutes followed by which we will have a question and answer session.

I remind witnesses of the position in regard to privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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 criticise or make charges against any person or persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members should be aware that under the salient rulings of the Chair, they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite Ms Mulligan to commence her opening statement.