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

The main matter on our agenda is a discussion on end of life care in Ireland. I thank everybody who has been involved thus far in our hearings and welcome this morning's witnesses to our sixth and final session of meetings on end of life care in Ireland. We have had a comprehensive, thorough, sensitive and wonderful set of hearings and I am sure this morning will be no different. I thank the witnesses for making the time to attend this meeting and for their written submissions. Each speaker will have five minutes to make an opening contribution. I welcome Ms Kate Bree, Professor Patrick Plunkett, Dr. Geoff King, Ms Margaret Naughton, Dr. Deirdre Madden, Mr. Bryan Nolan, Professor Cillian Twomey and Ms Joan Kelly.

Before commencing I remind people that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected to the matters under discussion should be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now invite Ms Bree to make her opening statement.