Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Tony Duffin, Mr. Mark Kennedy and Professor Gerard Bury for coming before the joint committee to give evidence. I also welcome those in the Visitors Gallery and those watching on the live stream. The purpose of the meeting is to engage in pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the Misuse of Drugs (Supervised Injecting Facilities) Bill 2016. There will be two sessions. Following this session we will meet representatives of An Garda Síochána and the Department of Health.

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 the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 they 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. Any submissions or opening statements that they have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee website after this meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the House or any official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on the witnesses to give their opening statement. I am unsure who is going first. Is it Mr. Duffin?