Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, witnesses and those in the public gallery to please ensure their mobile telephones are switched off for the duration of the meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment.

Witnesses are protected by privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. 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 the 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 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 they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I welcome Ms Patricia Towey, information and services co-ordinator, and Ms Anne Lennon Bird, honorary president, Huntington's Disease Association of Ireland; Dr. Niall Pender, principal clinical neuropsychologist, head of department, Beaumont Hospital, and Dr. Jennifer Hoblyn, clinical director, Bloomfield Health Services.

Apologies have been received from Dr. Tim Counihan, consultant neurologist, University College Hospital Galway, who, because of the inclement weather, could not travel from Galway this morning. I think that was a wise decision.

I invite Ms Patricia Towey to make her opening statement which will be followed by a presentation from Dr. Niall Pender. I remind Ms Towey she has about seven minutes in which to make her presentation.