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

We will resume in public session for the second part of our deliberations. I welcome the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, and the assistant secretary at the Department of Health, Ms Tracey Conroy. I also welcome Ms Joan Regan of the Department of Health and Mr. Ian Carter, national director of acute services from the Health Service Executive. I thank Mr. Ray Mitchell from the HSE. I also welcome Ms Eileen Finn from the INMO. We already had a discussion with the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation and as part of our deliberations in this second meeting, we will hear from both the Minister and Mr. Carter.
I remind members to turn off their mobile telephones or switch them to flight mode. I welcome back Deputy McLellan and thank her for being here, as I note she had another engagement in the Chamber. Senator van Turnhout sends her apologies as there is another meeting that she must attend.
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 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 are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or 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 members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against either a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I call the Minister for Health.