Co-Chairman (Deputy Jerry Buttimer):

I am Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health and Children. My colleague, Deputy David Stanton, chairs the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. I welcome the members of both committees. During our first session we will discuss the case for banning so-called legal high drug stimulants. I welcome Mr. Packie Kelly, project co-ordinator for Teach na Daoine, family resource centre, in Monaghan town and Mr. Tim Murphy from the Cavan-Monaghan drug awareness project. I have known Mr. Kelly for a number of years and worked with him on a couple of projects.

I thank the clerks to the Joint Committee on Health and Children and the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality for their role in arranging this very important public meeting. My colleague, Deputy David Stanton wishes to make some opening remarks.