Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee, I apologise for keeping our guests waiting for an hour. The select committee was discussing legislation and our session took a little longer than planned.

The purpose of this meeting is to receive an update on the preparations for Brexit in respect of the health sector. On behalf of the committee, I welcome from the Department of Health, Mr. Jim Breslin, Secretary General, Mr. Muiris O'Connor, assistant secretary and head of research and development and health analytics, and Mr. Eamonn Quinn, pharmacist; from the HSE, Mr. Dean Sullivan, chief strategy officer, Mr. John Swords, head of procurement, Ms Paula Keon, assistant national director of the EU and North-South unit, and Mr. Shaun Flanagan, head of primary care reimbursement services; and from the Health Products Regulatory Authority, HPRA, Dr. Lorraine Nolan, chief executive, Ms Rita Purcell, deputy chief executive, and Mr. Laurence O'Dwyer, scientific affairs manager.

I draw our guests' attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2008, 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 do so, 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. 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 Mr. Breslin to make his opening statement.