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

We will resume in public session on the issue of concussion in sport. I apologise to the witnesses for the absence of some committee members due to votes in the Seanad, conferences, by-election canvassing and a Fine Gael Parliamentary Party meeting. I request that those attending today switch off their mobile phones.

I welcome Dr. Tony Holohan, chief medical officer; Dr. Miriam Owens and Mr. Ronan Toomey of the health and well-being programme in the Department of Health; Dr. Tony Gaynor of the curriculum and assessment policy unit in the Department of Education and Skills; and Mr. Seánie McGrath of the inspectorate unit in the Department of Education and Skills.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to this committee. However, 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 the proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, 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 rulings of the Chair to the effect that members 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 Dr. Holohan to make his opening remarks.