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

I thank everyone for their patience. I remind people that mobile phones should be switched off or put in aeroplane mode. This the third and final session in today's meeting on ambulance response times. I welcome, from the HSE, Ms Laverne McGuinness, chief operations officer and deputy director general, Mr. Martin Dunne, director of the National Ambulance Service, and Dr. Cathal O'Donnell, medical director of the National Ambulance Service. They are all welcome and I thank them for their attendance.

Before we commence, I remind witnesses they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in respect of a particular matter and 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 or 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 ruling of the Chair to the effect that members 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.

Deputy Kelleher has asked that his apologies be conveyed, and his place will be taken by Deputy Calleary. Deputy Ó Caoláin also is obliged to depart for the Dáil Chamber. Apologies have also been received from Deputies Catherine Byrne and Ciara Conway and Senator Henry. I invite Ms McGuinness to make her opening statement.