Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The next two sessions of the committee this morning will look at the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 to examine how it is operating on the ground. During the first session the committee will hear from representatives of Cancer Trials Ireland, the Irish Cancer Society and the Health Research Board.

On behalf of the committee I welcome to our meeting this morning from Cancer Trials Ireland Ms Eibhlin Mulroe, chief executive officer, CEO, and Professor Bryan Hennessy, clinical lead; from the Irish Cancer Society Ms Averil Power, CEO, and Mr. Donal Buggy, head of services; and from the Health Research Board Dr. Darrin Morrissey, chief executive, and Dr. Mairead O’Driscoll, director of research strategy and funding.

I draw 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 the evidence they give to the joint committee. If, however, 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 are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Any opening statements provided to the committee may be published on the committee's website after this meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against either a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Because there are two sessions and six sets of witnesses, perhaps the witnesses could confine their opening statements to three or four minutes. The committee has received the opening statements so I ask the witnesses to summarise their submissions, if possible.