Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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The purpose of the meeting is to engage with officials from the Department of Health, the HSE and the Health Products Regulatory Authority on the implications for the health sector of the decision of the United Kingdom to withdraw from the European Union. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Jim Breslin, Secretary General of the Department of Health, and officials from the Department, Mr. Fergal Goodman and Mr. Kieran Smith; Mr. John Hennessy, Mr. John Swords and Ms Paula Keon of the HSE; and from the Health Products Regulatory Authority, Dr. Lorraine Nolan, chief executive, Ms Rita Purcell and Dr. Caitríona Fisher.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the joint committee. If, however, they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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.

I advise witnesses that any opening statements they make to the committee may be published on its website after the meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Mr. Breslin to make his opening statement.