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

I welcome all our members and witnesses. The committee will commence its consideration of the health services necessary and available for persons with lung fibrosis. From the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association, I am pleased to welcome Ms Maureen O'Donnell, chief executive officer; Mr. Michael Darragh MacAuley, patron; Mr. Robert Hurley, patient advocate; and Ms Nicola Cassidy, board member. I also welcome Dr. Killian Hurley, respiratory consultant at Beaumont Hospital, and Ms Olive McCafferty, senior physiotherapist with the heart and lung transplant unit at the Mater University Hospital.

Before we commence, I remind the witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or 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 relation to an identifiable person or entity they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that the witnesses comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Ms O'Donnell to make her opening remarks on behalf of the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association, ILFA.