Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This morning we are meeting with representatives from the Irish College of General Practitioners, ICGP, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, RCPI, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI, to discuss the issue of prescription patterns, the monitoring and auditing of the use of drugs and the effect of trends in prescribing medications. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Mark Murphy and Dr. John O'Brien from the ICGP, Professor Mary Horgan from the RCPI and Professor Tom Fahey from the RCSI.

I draw the witnesses' attention 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 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 thereafter only entitled 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 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.

I also advise the witnesses that any opening statements they have made 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 Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

We will now accept the opening statements, starting with Professor Tom Fahey.