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

The committee will now resume its consideration of issues facing local drug and alcohol task forces. I have received an apology from Senator Frances Black who has had to leave to introduce a Bill in the Seanad. I am pleased to welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Colm Burke, who has responsibility for public health, well-being and the national drugs strategy. He is accompanied, from the Department of Health, by Ms Siobhán McArdle, assistant secretary, and Mr. Jim Walsh, principal officer, and, from the HSE, by Mr. Joe Doyle, national social inclusion office.

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 to the good name of the person or entity. 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 that any such direction is complied with.

Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside these Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they need to be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I cannot permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to the constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the Leinster House precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask members participating via MS Teams to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex prior to making their contribution to the meeting. I now invite the Minister of State to make his opening remarks.