Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The committee is now sitting as the Joint Sub-Committee on the Ombudsman. I ask all present to ensure that all mobile phones are switched off as they interfere with the recording of proceedings.

The sub-committee is to consider two items. First, the report by the Ombudsman entitled, Too Old to be Equal? - A Follow Up. This is an investigation by the Ombudsman into the refusal by the Department of Health of a mobility allowance to people over 66 years of age. Second, the report by the Ombudsman on the refusal by the Department of Health to implement a recommendation of the Ombudsman concerning the motorised transport scheme.

I am pleased to welcome the Ombudsman, Ms Emily O'Reilly, and Mr. Fintan Butler, senior investigator, the Office of the Ombudsman. These are important issues relating to the delivery of public services for which this committee has an oversight role.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee. If a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and the witness continues to so do, the witness is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of his or her evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and witnesses are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person or persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.