Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I remind members that the meeting will be conducted in public session. I also remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or to switch them to flight mode. Mobile phones interfere with the sound system, make it difficult for technical staff and affect the quality of television and web streaming coverage. 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 do not think we received any apologies.

The meeting has been convened for the purpose of the consideration of the Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill 2016. Is that agreed? Agreed. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Catherine Byrne, who has responsibility for communities and the drugs strategy. She is an ex officiomember of the committee. I thank her for attending. I also welcome her officials to the meeting. Officials should not speak at the meeting; only the Minister should speak. There is one amendment to the Bill, which has been circulated. I now invite the Minister of State to make her opening remarks.