Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Dr. Lorraine Nolan, chief executive, and Dr. Elaine Breslin, clinical assessment manager, Health Products Regulatory Authority, HPRA; Dr. Colin Doherty, a neurologist at St. James' Hospital, and Ms Vera Twomey, the mother of a six year old child, Ava Barry, who has been diagnosed with Dravet syndrome. The purpose of the meeting is to consider the possible legalisation of medical cannabis and cannabinoids. I am conscious that we will need to move along speedily because we need to finish by 11.30 a.m.

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 joint committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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. I also advise that any submission or opening statement submitted to the committee may be published on its website after the meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticse 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.

I call on Dr. Nolan to make her opening statement.