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

Today the committee will meet representatives from the Open VLD group from Belgium and the HSE to discuss improving the lives of those affected by rare diseases and their families, and the issue of genetic testing of newborn babies for rare diseases. In the first session, we have the OPEN VLD group. I welcome Dr. Maggie De Block, MP and former Belgian Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health, and Mr. Benoit Mores, adviser to the Open VLD group. They are both very welcome to our meeting this morning.

All 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 might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if the witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such directions.

I call Dr. De Block to make her opening remarks. She is very welcome this morning.