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

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss a motion referred to the joint committee by the Dáil and Seanad in respect of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005 (Section 95 (3)) Variation of title: Optician) Regulations 2016. I welcome the Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadkar, and his officials, Ms Deirdre Walsh and Mr. Kieran Duffy, and thank them for their attendance.

I draw the attention of the witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to 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 these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or 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 they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite the Minister to make an opening statement.