Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Visitors' Gallery to ensure that mobile telephones are switched off for the duration of this meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment even in silent mode. Our discussion this morning is with the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation on the independent study into ward staffing levels in Irish hospitals. I welcome from the INMO Mr Liam Doran, General Secretary; Ms Claire Mahon, President; Ms Geraldine Talty, first vice-president; Mr James Geoghegan, second vice-president and Ms Elizabeth Adams, director of professional development. I thank the witnesses for taking time to attend the committee.

Before we commence, I remind witnesses of the position on privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter but continues to do so, he or she will be entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, 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. Members are reminded of the long standing parliamentary practice or ruling of the chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against either a person outside the Houses, or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I thank the witnesses for bringing this important report to our attention. We look forward to this morning's debate. I apologise for missing the meeting with the witnesses yesterday. I had another engagement which I could not get out of. I thank them for holding the meeting.