Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I apologise to our witnesses for starting slightly later than anticipated. I can see they are taking their seats. I welcome Dr. Ronan Glynn, acting Chief Medical Officer, CMO, and head of the National Public Health Emergency Team, NPHET, and Professor Philip Nolan, chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group.

Before we commence the formal proceedings, I advise the witnesses 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. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter, they must respect that direction. Witnesses 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, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I ask everybody to confine their speaking slot strictly to five minutes because there are many questions and time is limited. I ask Dr. Glynn to make his opening statement.