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

It is good to have it, however. Mr. McEnery is here to introduce himself as the new chairperson of HIQA and to discuss the priorities he and HIQA have in the corporate plan.

Before commencing I remind the witnesses regarding privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they 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 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 Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite Mr. Brian McEnery to make his opening remarks.