Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This morning the committee will meet representatives from the Irish Dental Association and the faculty of dentistry at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI, to hear their views on our national oral health policy. On behalf of the committee, I would like to welcome the president of the Irish Dental Association, Professor Leo Stassen, and its chief executive, Mr. Fintan Hourihan, as well as the dean of the faculty of dentistry at RCSI, Dr. John Marley, and Professor Chris Lynch, vice dean.

I wish to 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 this 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 also wish to advise witnesses that any opening statements they have made 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 ask Mr. Hourihan to make his opening statement.