Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We are meeting with representatives from An Garda Síochána and the HSE and officials from the Department of Health concerning pre-legislative scrutiny on the general scheme of the Misuse of Drugs (Supervised Injecting Facilities) Bill 2016. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the delegation from An Garda Síochána - Mr. John O'Driscoll, assistant commissioner, special crime operations; Mr. Jack Nolan, assistant commissioner, Dublin metropolitan region; and Detective Superintendent Anthony Howard, drugs and organised crime bureau. I welcome Dr. Eamonn Keenan, national clinical lead, addiction services at the HSE, along with Mr. Eugene Lennon, Ms Susan Scally and Mr. Eamonn Quinn from the Department of Health. Representatives from the Department, HSE and An Garda Síochána will give their perspectives on the proposed Bill.

I draw the attention of 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 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. I also advise witnesses that any submissions or opening statements they have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee's 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 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 Mr. Lennon and Assistant Commissioner O'Driscoll to make their opening statements.