David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Geoghegan.

Earlier we thought we would not have enough seats for everybody in attendance, but we do now. I have, therefore, invited the other groups present to join us. I propose that we continue with the presentations and take questions afterwards. I am pleased, therefore, to welcome the representatives of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association who include Mr. Martin Varley, secretary general; Dr. Eamon Keenan, consultant psychiatrist - adult education; and Dr. Gerry McCarney, consultant psychiatrist - children and adolescents. The Ana Liffey Drug Project is represented by Mr. Tony Duffin, director, and Mr. Marcus Keane, head of policy and advocacy. They are all welcome. I also wish to welcome back Ms Anna Quigley, co-ordinator of the Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign.

Earlier Deputy Finian McGrath initiated a debate on gangland crime in Dublin. When we debated the matter, we discovered that we did not have a Minister of State with responsibility for dealing with the drugs problem. When we subsequently wrote to the Taoiseach, Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin was appointed as a result. I know that the former Minister, Mr. Pat Carey, did great work in this role. We also travelled to Portugal to assess what was happening there; therefore, all of this flowing from that work.

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 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.

We will start with the Irish Hospital Consultants Association. I call on Mr. Varley to make its presentation.