Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
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I welcome Dr. Don Thornhill, Mr. John Church, Professor Oliver FitzGerald and Dr. Robert Ryan. I also welcome officials from Arthritis Ireland to discuss with us the costs of absenteeism in the workplace arising from musculoskeletal disorders.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l ) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also advise that the opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website after the meeting.

I remind members 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 invite Mr. John Church to make his opening remarks. I apologise for the delay in taking the presentation.