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

I remind witnesses, members and those in the Visitors Gallery that mobile telephones should be switched off or set to aeroplane mode as they interfere with the broadcasting of our proceedings and particularly affect members of staff, which is quite unfair.

Today's meeting is dealing with pre-budget submissions from various voluntary organisations working in the health and children sector. I extend a céad míle fáilte roimh gach éinne. I thank the witnesses for being here in such large numbers. This meeting is divided into three sessions of one hour. Not wanting to sound too much like a schoolteacher, I remind our witnesses that they will have three minutes per presentation, after which there will be an opportunity for questions and answers. I ask members to be precise and tight in their questioning.

As part of our preparations for the budget, the committee decided it was important for it not just to engage, but to be able to listen to and participate, with witnesses as part of the pre-budget submission period. The committee felt in its role in the Houses of the Oireachtas that it was important to have witnesses appear before it as part of our pre-budget preparations. Even though they have their own pre-budget hearings in different parts of the city, it is important for us to engage with them. They are most welcome and I again thank them for coming.

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 witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, 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, witnesses should not criticise or make charges against any persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of a long-standing parliamentary practice or ruling of the Chair to the effect that Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or any official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Apologies have been received from Deputy Robert Troy, Deputy Regina Doherty and Senator Imelda Henry. I call on Mr. Chris Macey from the Irish Heart Foundation to make his opening remarks. I again remind everybody to keep to three minutes.