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

I remind members, witnesses and those in the gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off, as it interferes with the broadcasting of the meeting. I welcome the Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadkar, the Minister of State with responsibility for primary care, social care and mental health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, and Dr. Tony Holohan, Ms Tracey Conroy, Mr. Tony O'Brien, Ms Laverne McGuinness, Mr. Pat Healy, Mr. Liam Woods, Ms Anne O'Connor and Dr. Áine Carroll from the Department of Health and the HSE. The witnesses are all very welcome. This is the quarterly meeting of the Joint Committee on Health and Children to discuss local and national issues. Written questions have been submitted in advance by members, and responses to these questions have been circulated.

I advise the witnesses 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 committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on 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 they 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 ruling of the Chair to the effect that they 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.

The committee will hear the Minister first, and then Mr. O'Brien and the Minister of State, Deputy Lynch, will make opening statements. Party spokespersons will have seven minutes each and members will be given four minutes each in rotation. I invite the Minister to make his opening remarks.