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

In the second segment of the meeting we will continue our pre-legislative scrutiny of the heads of the public health (alcohol) Bill 2015.

I ask witnesses to speak to the heads in their presentations. The committee has a long record of promoting a range of health promotion measures. As part of its pre-legislative scrutiny, it is consulting a wide range of stakeholders on the issue. Today we have a large number of witnesses before us. I ask them to keep to the five minutes of speaking time. I welcome formally to our meeting Professor Joe Barry, chair of population health medicine, Trinity College Dublin; Ms Suzanne Costello, chief executive officer of Alcohol Action Ireland; Ms Evelyn Jones, chairperson of the National Off-Licence Association; Mr. Ross Mac Mathúna, director of the Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland; Mr. Donall O'Keeffe, chief executive officer of the Licensed Vintners Association; and Mr. Padraig Cribben, chief executive officer of the Vintners Federation Ireland.

Before we commence, I wish to remind witnesses and members about privilege. 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.

I welcome all witnesses again and remind members that in their pack for today's meeting there are lengthier versions of the submissions from today's witnesses.