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

Before we proceed further, I remind witnesses they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they 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 be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make comments or charges against a person by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

We have received apologies from Deputies Kelleher and Healy and Senator Henry. I welcome the Minister for Health, the Ministers of State at the Department of Health and the officials from the Department and the HSE. I will not name them all I invite the Minister to make his opening remarks.