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

I welcome the Minister of State with responsibility for public health, well-being and the national drugs strategy, Deputy Feighan, who will provide the committee with an update on the national drugs strategy. I also welcome Mr. Jim Walsh, principal officer, from the drugs policy and social inclusion unit in the Department of Health, and Dr. Eamon Keenan, national clinical lead in addiction services, from the HSE.

Before we hear the Minister of State's opening statement, I need to point out to our witnesses that there is uncertainty as to whether parliamentary privilege will apply to their evidence if given from a location outside the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. If, therefore, I direct them to cease giving evidence relating to a particular matter, they must respect that direction. I understand the witnesses are all within the precincts of Leinster House anyway.

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 a person or entity. If, therefore, their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

I call the Minister of State to make his opening remarks.