Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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The purpose of the meeting is to gather some insights into the operation of our national oral health policy. We had a meeting on this matter on 15 May where we heard from the Irish Dental Association and the faculty of dentistry at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, RCSI. This morning we have the opportunity to hear the views of officials from the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive, HSE, along with representatives from the oral health policy academic reference group, which was established to help to provide the Department with independent research data and policy advice to improve oral health in Ireland.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Finian Judge, principal officer; Dr. Dympna Kavanagh; and Mr. Fergal Goodman, assistant secretary in primary care, Department of Health. I welcome Dr. Alison Dougall, Professor Brian O'Connell and Dr. Jacinta McLoughlin from the oral health policy academic reference group. I also welcome Mr. Pat Healy, national director of community and strategy planning at the HSE and Dr. Joe Green, national lead for oral health, HSE. I bid our guests a good morning.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses 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 also advise the witnesses that any opening statements they make 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 a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call Mr. Goodman to make his opening statement.