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

I apologise for the late start. This meeting must conclude at 11.20 a.m. because we have a long-standing appointment with the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety which will begin at 11.30 a.m. and we must allow for the changing of equipment. I remind members and those in the Visitors Gallery that mobile phones should be turned off as they interfere with the broadcasting of the meeting, even when in silent mode.

The first part of this meeting concerns the rising costs of professional medical indemnity insurance. The cost of medical indemnity insurance has risen by at least 40% in the past 12 months and could increase further. We will hear evidence from a number of representatives of the medical profession and insurance bodies with a focus on the rising costs of premia. I welcome representatives of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association, the Irish Medical Organisation, the Medical Protection Society and the State Claims Agency. I also welcome people in the Visitors Gallery and those watching and listening at home and online. It is important to note that a further committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, 27 January to hear parents' perspectives on clinical negligence.

Before we commence, for the information of our guests, I draw to their attention that 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. If, however, they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are 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 are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any 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 to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I ask witnesses to note that we have a busy schedule this morning and to confine their opening statements and remarks to the allocated time of six minutes. This will be followed by questions and answers from members. I ask members to be concise and precise in their questioning. I am sure witnesses will be able to give us any further information we require afterwards. I invite Mr. Ciaran Breen, director of the State Claims Agency, to make his opening remarks.