Niall Blaney (Fianna Fail)
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We have an engagement with representatives from the All-Ireland Cancer Research Institute, AICRI. I extend a very warm welcome to: Professor William Gallagher, University College Dublin; Professor Mark Lawler, Queen's University Belfast; Professor Maeve Lowery, Trinity College Dublin; Ms Eibhlin Mulroe, CEO, Cancer Trials Ireland; and Mr. Aidan McCormick, chair, Northern Ireland Cancer Research Consumer Forum. Our committee previously met with AICRI in October 2021. We look forward to our discussion today on its work to date and its future plans.

I ask the witnesses to bear with me while I cover parliamentary privilege with regard to contributions. I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or of those who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. However, witnesses who are to give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Witnesses are also asked to note that only evidence connected with the subject matter of the proceedings should be given. They should respect directions given by the Chair and the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should neither criticise nor 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 the person or entity.

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, her or it identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirements that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

I call on Professor Gallagher to make his opening statement.