Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Matthews and Senator Buttimer. I believe Senator Burke is substituting for Senator Buttimer.

I welcome Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer and chair of the National Public Health Emergency Team, NPHET; Mr. Liam Morris, principal officer, Department of Health; and Dr. Cillian De Gascun, director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory, NVRL, in UCD and chair of the Covid-19 expert advisory group under NPHET. I thank them for attending.

The witnesses should please note that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their presentations to the committee. This means that they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege. It is my duty as Chair to ensure that it is not abused. All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. If the witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory, therefore, in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with all such directions.

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 call Dr. Holohan to make his opening statement.