John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask witnesses, those in the Visitors Gallery and committee members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off because they interfere with the sound transmission.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a Member of either House, a person outside the House or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members are reminded of the provisions in Standing Order 163 that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such policy or policies.

I welcome Dr. McLoughlin, Secretary General, Department of Health, and ask him to introduce his officials.