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

I remind people to ensure their mobile telephones are off or in aeroplane mode. If those in the Visitors Gallery would switch off their mobile telephones as well, it would be most appreciated. This is one of our quarterly meetings at which we get an update on health issues. It is a bit like Groundhog Day. We seem to be here again. I welcome the Minister, Deputy Reilly, and the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch. I thank them for being here this morning. I thank Mr. Tony O'Brien and his officials for being here as well. Apologies have been received from the Minister of State, Deputy White.

Members have submitted written questions and the responses to these questions have been circulated. I would like to bring to the attention of the Minister and Mr. O'Brien that members of the committee are concerned that the responses were not given to them until yesterday, which was a very late stage ahead of this meeting. We would prefer to receive replies five days in advance of the meeting, which is what happens in the case of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. We did not get them until yesterday, which was a bit late for members. If the process could be streamlined to ensure we receive responses five days in advance, we would appreciate that. Perhaps Mr. Goodman might bring that back to the Department and Mr. O'Brien might bring it back to the HSE.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give 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 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 welcome the Minister, Deputy Reilly. I apologise for our late start. We had to deal with some private business. I ask the Minister to make his opening remarks.