Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the members for their attendance and I welcome Senator Warfield to the committee this morning. I note the apologies received from the Vice Chairman, Senator Joan Freeman. I welcome our guests from the Irish Heart Foundation - Mr. Chris Macey, head of advocacy and Ms Janis Morrissey, manager of health promotion. I also welcome Dr. John Sharry, the founding director of Parents Plus, and Dr. Adele Keating.

I thank all the witnesses for coming. I wish to advise the witnesses 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 a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and continues to do so, the witness is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of his or her evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and 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, 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.

I remind members and witnesses to ensure their mobile phones are switched off or left in flight mode as they interfere with the sound system and this can make it difficult for the parliamentary reporters report the meeting, and it can adversely affect the broadcasting.

Any submission or opening statement made to the committee will be published on the Oireachtas website after this meeting. I understand that witnesses will make short presentations this morning followed by questions from the committee members. I now invite Mr. Macey to make his opening statement.