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

I welcome everybody and thank members for attending. I remind all Ministers, members, guests and officials that mobile phones should be switched off as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment and the work of staff even if they are turned to silent mode. I welcome to our quarterly meeting the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly; the Ministers of State, Deputies Kathleen Lynch and Alex White; Dr. Fergal Lynch, Mr. Paul Barron, Ms Bairbre Nic Aongusa, Mr. Paul Howard and Mr. Larry Reilly from the Department of Health; and from the HSE, Mr. Tony O'Brien, deputy chief executive and director general designate, Ms Laverne McGuinness, Mr. Stephen Mulvany, Mr. Barry O'Brien, Dr. Aine Carroll, Mr. Ray Mitchell, Mr. Paul Connors and Mr. Thomas Byrne. They are all very welcome and I apologise for the delay at the beginning, as we had some private business to be attended to and it was important for us to sort it out. I do not propose to give an opening address as it is important for us to get to the heart of the matter.

Before commencing I remind witnesses and members that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to given and they 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 and ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Members have expressed concern about the situation with regard to non-consultant hospital doctors, and I know Mr. O'Brien has a briefing note on the matter and may reference it in his opening remarks. The Minister and Mr. O'Brien will have five minutes to speak and Opposition spokespersons will have five minutes-ish. Non-spokespersons will have four minutes.