Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Yes. I will defer our discussion on correspondence and other business of the committee until next Thursday morning, which will be a regular Thursday meeting. Is that agreed? Agreed.

This meeting has been requested by Deputies Ó Caoláin and Mitchell O'Connor regarding cochlear implants. I welcome Ms Deanna Cairns, Ms Amie Connor, Mr. Shay Kearns, Ms Denise Martin and Ms Danielle Ryan. We are pleased that they could attend at short notice. They met the Minister just beforehand. They have been campaigning for bilateral cochlear ear implants. The committee will give them a good and fair hearing as part of their series of meetings this afternoon.

I remind witnesses of the provisions regarding privilege in respect of the evidence that they are to give to the committee. If they are directed to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and 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. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice and rulings of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise nor 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. Kearns to make his opening remarks. We have received a copy.