Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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No apologies have been received. Before we go to the main item on today's agenda, the minutes of the committee meetings of 22 and 23 October 2024 have been circulated to members for consideration. Are they agreed? Agreed.

The purpose of today's meeting is for the joint committee to consider issues currently facing local drug and alcohol task forces. The meeting will be divided into two sessions. The joint committee will first meet with the Local Drugs and Alcohol Task Force Chairpersons Network, and later meet the Minister of State with responsibility for public health, well-being and the national drugs strategy, Deputy Colm Burke.

Before we commence this consideration, a letter was received by the committee from Mr. Joe O'Neill of the Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force, who made a point regarding the ten regional drug and alcohol task forces covering all areas of the State outside of Dublin and Cork and that some of the issues and challenges facing regional task forces are quite distinct from those facing local task forces. It is a fair point and maybe a future health committee can invite representatives back in to revisit this area. This morning's meeting will focus on local drug and alcohol task forces and the submission of the LDATFCN.

I will read a note on privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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 the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative they comply with any such direction.

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

In this regard, I ask any member participating via MS Teams that, prior to making their contribution, they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I welcome, from the Local Drugs and Alcohol Task Force Chairpersons Network, Mr. Martin Hoey, Ms Aoife Bairéad and Mr. Doherty. We will now hear the opening remarks.