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

Our first session concerns the implications for patients and the medical profession of unregistered practitioners of cosmetic surgery. I welcome Ms Margaret O'Donnell, president of the Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons, Ms Patricia Eadie, immediate past president of the Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons, Ms Siobhan Kelly, CEO of the Irish College of Ophthalmologists, and Dr. Patrick Ormond, Irish Association of Dermatology. They are very welcome and I thank them for being here. I thank Senator Crown, who put this matter on the agenda for the work programme.

I remind members, visitors and those in the Visitors Gallery that mobile phones should be switched off or put on aeroplane mode, as they interfere with broadcasting equipment even when in silent mode.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee. 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. 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 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 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.

We thank everyone for being here. We have received apologies today from the professor of dermatology at St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dr. Brian Kirby, who cannot attend our meeting today due to the bereavement of a colleague. I extend our sympathies to him and to the family of the deceased.