Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to consider the subject of Lyme disease. We will hold two sessions on this topic. The first session will be with Tick Talk Ireland, the support group set up to encourage awareness, prevention and treatment of Lyme disease. They will be joined by Dr. Jack Lambert, a consultant in infectious diseases at the Mater Hospital. In the second session we will meet officials from the Department of Health.

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 statement 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 of the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite Dr. Jack Lambert to make his opening statement.