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

I again apologise to the witnesses for the delay in commencing. We had a very busy morning in the holding of our hearings and I again thank them for their patience and apologise for delaying them. I welcome to the meeting officials from the Department of Health, Dr. Fergal Lynch, Mr. Dermot Ryan, Ms Roisin Cahillane and Mr. Eddie O'Reilly. I also welcome to the meeting Mr. Liam Sloyan and Mr. Jim Joyce, chairman, of the Health Insurance Authority. Before we commence, I remind witnesses they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 they 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 of the committee are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice and rulings of the Chair to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or persons outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I now invite Dr. Fergal Lynch to make his opening remarks.