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

Apologies have been received from Senator Craughwell and Deputy Carey.

The purpose of this afternoon's meeting is to discuss rapid antigen testing in relation to aviation and travel. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Niamh Power, V1 Medical; and Mr. Barry O'Brien, Mr. Simon Osman and Mr. Chris O’Grady, Duelchem Limited. We will also be joined by Dr. Michael Mina, assistant professor of epidemiology, Harvard University.

All witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that 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, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. If statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, witnesses will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with all such directions. For witnesses attending remotely, outside of the Leinster House campus, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege. As such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does. Witnesses participating in this committee session from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised that they should also be mindful of their domestic law and how it may apply to the evidence they give.

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 remind members of the constitutional requirement that to participate in public meetings members must be physically present within the confines of the place the Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House or the Convention Centre Dublin. Reluctantly, I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Any committee member who attempts to participate from outside of the precincts will, reluctantly, be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask members participating via Teams to confirm, prior to making their contributions, that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

For the information of anyone watching this meeting online, Oireachtas Members and witnesses are accessing the meeting remotely, with committee members being in the precincts of Leinster House or the Convention Centre Dublin. Only I, as Chairman, and the staff essential to the running to the meeting are physically present in the committee room. Due to the unprecedented circumstances of Covid-19 and the large number of people attending the meeting remotely, I ask everyone to bear with us should any technical issues arise.

I call on Dr. Niamh Power to make her opening statement.

I call on Dr. Power to make her opening statement. She has approximately five minutes.