Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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The purpose of this afternoon's session is to engage with Deputy Gino Kenny on his Private Members' Bill, the Cannabis for Medicinal Use Regulation Bill 2016. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Deputy Gino Kenny, who I accompanied by his advisers, Dr. Peadar O'Grady and Professor David Finn.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. If you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and you continue to so do, you are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of your evidence. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and you are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, you should not criticise or make charges against any persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Any submission or opening statements you have made to the committee may be published on the committee's website after this meeting. Members are reminded of a long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses, or any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Deputy Gino Kenny to make his opening statement.