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

I remind members, delegates and those in the Visitors Gallery that all mobile phones should be switched off or left in airplane mode for the duration of the meeting because they interfere with the broadcasting of proceedings and cause unnecessary disturbance on staff members' headsets. We had an episode last Tuesday evening with some type of mobile device.

At this meeting, the first of several, we will examine drug addiction and recovery models. I welcome Professor Joe Barry, chair of population health medicine, Trinity College Dublin; Mr. Tom O'Brien, addiction services manager, Health Service Executive; and from Soilse Mr. Gerry McAleenan, head of services, and Ms Sonya Dillon, project worker.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an 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 a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. McAleenan to make his opening statement.