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

Apologies have been received from Senator Hoey. I welcome the witnesses from the Irish Vape Vendors Association, IVVA, to our meeting to continue pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the public health (tobacco and nicotine and inhaling products) Bill 2019. From the IVVA, I welcome: Mr. Alex Pescar, secretary; Mr. Declan Connolly, director; and Ms Joanne O'Connell, director.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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 may be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if a witness's statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, that witness will be directed to discontinue his or her remarks. It is imperative he or she complies with any such direction. I call Mr. Connolly to make his opening remarks.