Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this session is to engage with the HSE and the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, NCPE, on the processes and criteria used when evaluating orphan drugs. On behalf of the committee I welcome Mr. John Hennessy, Mr. Shaun Flanagan and Mr. Ray Mitchell of the HSE; Professor Michael Barry and Dr. Lesley Tilson of the NCPE.

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. 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, 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 now invite Mr. John Hennessy to make his opening statement.