Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This meeting will be carried live on Saorview channel 22, Virgin Media channel 207, eir Vision channel 504 and Sky channel 574 and Vodafone channels - Oireachtas TV 201, Dáil 207 and Seanad 208. Members are requested to switch off their phones or switch them to airplane mode so as not to interfere with the recording of the meeting. All public meetings are broadcast in a replay loop over the following week if anyone wishes to review the contents of the meeting.

I thank everyone for attending. We have an apology from Senator Keith Swanick.

This meeting is with representatives of the Health Products Regulatory Authority, HPRA, and officials from the Department of Health. The purpose of the meeting is to engage with representatives from both organisations on the report, Cannabis for Medical Use - A Scientific Review. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Lorraine Nolan and Dr. Elaine Breslin of the HPRA. I also welcome Mr. Eugene Lennon, Ms Maria Egan, Dr. John Devlin and Dr. Ronan Glynn of the Department of Health.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they 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 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 or her identifiable. Any submissions 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, criticise 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 Dr. Lorraine Nolan to make her opening statement.