Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to consider the implementation of the recommendations in the committee's report on evaluating orphan drugs, which was published last February. We will hold two sessions on the topic. The first session will involve Rare Diseases Ireland, which is the umbrella body for patients with rare diseases and will present to the committee first. The second session will be with officials from the Department of Health and representatives from the HSE and the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Philip Watt, chair of the Rare Disease Taskforce and CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland; Ms Vicky McGrath, interim CEO of Rare Diseases Ireland; and Dr. Derick Mitchell, CEO of the Irish Platform for Patients, Organisations, Science and Industry.

I draw the attention of witnesses 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 the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, 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 they 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. I advise witnesses that any opening statements made to the committee may be published on the committee 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite Ms McGrath to make her opening statement.