Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

First today is Petition No. 52 of 2022, Lil Reds Legacy Sepsis Awareness Campaign. Our next business is engagement with Dr. Colm Henry and his colleagues from the HSE in respect of Lil Reds Legacy Sepsis Awareness Campaign. Before we start, I will 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 who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute 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 to 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 regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Before we hear from our witnesses, I propose that we publish the opening statement on the committee's website. Is that agreed?