Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, witnesses and people in the Visitors Gallery to ensure their mobile telephones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting of the proceedings.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if witnesses 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the House or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I welcome the witnesses and thank them for attending this meeting. At our meeting on 6 November, witnesses briefed us on deep brain stimulation treatments and on Parkinson's disease.

Our Vice Chairman has arrived now and will take over.