Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to engage with the HSE and the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, NCPE, regarding the processes involved in evaluating orphan drugs.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. John Hennessy, national director of primary care, and Mr. Shaun Flanagan, chief pharmacist at the corporate pharmaceutical unit, from the HSE and, from the NCPE, Professor Michael Barry and Dr. Lesley Tilson. I draw their attention 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 it 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 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 advise the witnesses that their opening statements 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Hennessy to make his opening statement.