Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members and people in the Visitors Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off. The next item on the agenda is the anti-doping strategy of the Irish thoroughbred industry. I welcome Dr. Lynn Hillyer, chief veterinary officer and head of anti-doping at the Turf Club.

From the Irish Turf Club I welcome Dr. Lynn Hillyer, chief veterinary officer and head of anti-doping. The committee appreciates her attendance here today at short notice. It was only last week that we decided to bring her in here to hear her views on this issue and how it might affect the greyhound industry.

I wish to bring to the attention of our guest that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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 or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

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. Before I invite Dr. Hillyer to make her opening statement I call on the Vice Chairman to take over. I apologise as I must leave the meeting.