Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses, who are here to give a briefing on the emerging evidence on the role of vitamin D in reducing the severity of Covid-19 and as a measure to improve general public health. From the Covit-D Consortium I welcome Professor Rose Anne Kenny, Professor James Bernard Walsh, Dr. John Faul, Dr. Martin Healy and Dr. Daniel McCartney.

Before we hear the opening statements, I point out to the witnesses that there is uncertainty as to whether parliamentary privilege applies to evidence given from a location outside the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. Therefore, if witnesses are directed by me to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter, they must respect that direction.

I call Dr. McCartney to make his opening remarks.