Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter they continue to so do, they will be entitled thereafter only to 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 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. I advise witnesses that the opening statements they have submitted to the committee will be published on its website after the meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
The purpose of the meeting is to resume deliberations on the accreditation of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland's facility in Bahrain. A report on this matter was prepared by Ceartas, Irish Lawyers for Human Rights, in May last year. Ceartas requested that it be given the opportunity to raise the issue with us and the committee afforded it such an opportunity in November. We will give further consideration to the matter at this meeting. I am pleased to welcome from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Professor Cathal Kelly, CEO and registrar; Professor Jim Finucane, recently retired professor of medicine; and Professor Paddy Broe. Also with us from the Irish Medical Council are Ms Caroline Spillane, CEO, and Dr. Audrey Dillon, vice president; from the National University of Ireland Dr. Attracta Halpin, registrar; and from the Department of Education and Skills Ms Mary Doyle, Secretary General, and Mr. Keith Moynes, assistant principal officer.
I invite Professor Kelly to make his presentation on behalf of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.