Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I welcome everyone to today's meeting, at which we will engage in pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the public health (alcohol) Bill 2015. I remind people that mobile phones should be switched off or left in aeroplane mode, as they interfere with the broadcasting of proceedings. This meeting marks the beginning of the joint committee's pre-legislative scrutiny hearings to examine the heads of the public health (alcohol) Bill, which the Minister for Health has published and referred in early February to the committee for its consideration. The joint committee has a consistent record in promoting a range of health measures. Members have been interested in and supportive of measures to tackle tobacco consumption as well as alcohol and substance misuse, and given the public interest in the issue raised by the Bill, the joint committee has consulted with key stakeholders and will engage with the public on these proposals. We have asked for written submissions through the joint committee's page on the Oireachtas website and have received almost 60 submissions on the Bill. The joint committee will hold meetings on the Bill, beginning today, with stakeholders, academics and experts. At the end of its deliberations, the joint committee will produce a report to the Minister noting key issues and recommendations. Our second session will be held on Thursday, 12 March at 11:15 a.m. when we will be joined by Dr. John Holmes from Sheffield University's alcohol research group, who is an international expert on minimum unit pricing of alcohol. In addition, the Minister for Health has intimated to the joint committee that he wishes to attend the conclusion of its hearings in order to engage with it before the joint committee produces its final report.

I welcome to our meeting this afternoon Professor Frank Murray, who is the president of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, RCPI, and chair of its policy group on alcohol. He is also a liver specialist at Beaumont Hospital. I also welcome his colleagues accompanying him: Dr. Len O'Hagan, chief executive officer of the RCPI, Professor Aiden McCormick, Dr. Stephen Stewart, and Ms Siobhán Creaton, head of public affairs and advocacy. All the witnesses are welcome and I thank them for their attendance.

Before we commence, I remind witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an 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 or ruling of the Chair 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 must leave the meeting at 5.55 p.m. In the absence of the Vice Chairman, is it agreed that Deputy Neville will take over as Acting Chairman? Agreed. I invite Professor Murray to make his opening remarks.