Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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The purpose of the meeting is to begin consideration of a national drugs policy. The committee has invited representatives from Access to Medicines Ireland to give their views on how the policy may be drawn up. Access to Medicines Ireland is a membership group composed of medical professionals, activists and concerned members of the public. The group is committed to ensuring that medicines are made accessible at a fair price, and that medical research and innovation is directed at areas of greatest global health need. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Kieran Harkin, Dr. Ciara Conlon and Mr. Robbie Lawlor.

I draw the witnesses' attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, 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 they 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.

I advise the witnesses that any opening statements they have made available to the committee may be published on the committee's website after this meeting.

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

I invite Dr. Harkin to make his opening statement.