Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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I welcome the witnesses to the meeting to discuss issues relating to general practice. From the Irish Medical Organisation, IMO, I welcome Mr. Val Moran, director of industrial relations for general practice, public health and community health, and Dr. Madeleine Ní Dhálaigh and Dr. Tadhg Crowley, members of the IMO general practice committee. From the Irish College of General Practitioners, ICGP, I welcome Dr. Diarmuid Quinlan, medical director, Mr. Fintan Foy, CEO, and Dr. John Farrell, chair of the ICGP board.

Before we hear the opening remarks of the witnesses, I need to point out to them that there is uncertainty as to whether parliamentary privilege will apply to their evidence if given from a location outside the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. If, therefore, I direct them to cease giving evidence relating to a particular matter, they must respect that direction. All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. If, therefore, their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

I call Mr. Moran to make his opening remarks.