Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The committee will now continue its consideration of the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report on the evaluation of orphan drugs which was published last February. On its behalf, from the HSE I welcome Professor Michael Barry, clinical director of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics; Mr. John Hennessy, national director of acute strategy and planning; and Mr. Shaun Flanagan, chief pharmacist in the corporate pharmaceutical unit. From the Department of Health I welcome Mr. Finian Judge, principal officer in the community pharmacy, dental oral and aural policy unit.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. If, however, they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, 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 or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise that any submission or opening statement made to the committee may be published on its 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 ask Mr. Judge to make his opening statement.