Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Apologies have been received from Deputy Catherine Byrne and Senator Imelda Henry. I remind members and delegates to ensure their mobile phones are switched off or left in airplane mode as they cause interference with the broadcasting of proceedings.

In keeping with the joint committee's ongoing work on this issue and this being World AIDS Day, the purpose of the meeting is to have a discussion on the incidence of HIV in Ireland and emerging trends and key responses in that regard. I welcome Mr. Niall Mulligan, executive director, HIV Ireland; Ms Deirdre Seery, CEO, Cork Sexual Health Centre; and Mr. Tiernan Brady, director, gay HIV strategies, GLEN.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Mulligan to make his opening statement.