Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are dealing with issues surrounding water quality and supply. From the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, we are joined by Dr. Tom Ryan, Mr. Noel Byrne, Ms Mary Gurrie and Dr. Michelle Minihan. From the HSE, we are joined by Ms Ann Marie Part, Dr. Deirdre Mulholland and Ms Deirdre Lavin. The opening statements have been circulated to members.

I will begin with a note on privilege. Before we begin, I want to remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place where Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings. For witnesses attending in the committee room, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their contributions to today's meetings. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. Both members and witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege they enjoy. It is my duty as Chair to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction. Members and witnesses 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 will also note that there are housing statements starting in the Dáil Chamber from about 3.50 p.m. Members may have to leave and come back, but that is no indication of their interest in the subject, which we are very pleased to have the witnesses here to discuss.

I invite the witnesses to make their opening statements. I will call Dr. Ryan from the EPA first and then call Ms Part from the HSE. Please keep your opening remarks to five minutes. The opening statements have already been circulated to members.