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

I apologise to the witnesses for the lengthy delay. We had a number of matters to discuss in private session and it took longer than we had anticipated. I thank witnesses for their patience and welcome them to the meeting. Today's discussion is on health insurance. We will hear from the Health Insurance Authority and the health insurance providers on the Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2013 which will be before the committee next week. Given the large number of groups I urge everyone to keep their contributions tight. We are discussing the Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill as opposed to a more wide-ranging or in-depth discussion.

From the Health Insurance Authority I welcome Mr. Liam Sloyan and Mr. Jim Joyce; from VHI Healthcare, Mr. John O'Dwyer and Mr. Declan Moran; from Aviva Health Insurance Ireland, Mr. Brian Dunne and Mr. John Armstrong; from GloHealth, Mr. Jim Dowdall and Ms Teresa Kelly and; from Laya Healthcare, Mr. Donal Clancy and Mr. David Muiry. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they 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. They 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 nor make charges against any person, persons 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 rulings 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.