Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the first of our two sessions is to meet the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine, ACSLM, and the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association, MLSA, in order to gain a greater understanding of the screening programmes, with a particular emphasis on cervical smear tests. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Irene Regan, Ms Marie Culliton and Dr. Helen Lambkin of the ACSLM and Mr. Terry Casey, Mr. Gerard O'Mahony and Mr. Pat Naughton of the MLSA.

I draw the witnesses' 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 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, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Any opening statement they make to the committee may be published on the committee's 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 invite Dr. Regan to make her opening statement.