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

I welcome Mr. Frank Nolan, chairman designate of Dublin Dental University Hospital. I thank him for coming and apologise to him for the delay in starting this session owing to the fact that our private business concluded later than normal.

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 they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 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 parliamentary practice and ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Deputy Billy Kelleher has offered his apologies as he is taking Leaders' Questions in the Dáil. He would have been here if our previous session had not run late. I invite Mr. Nolan to make his opening remarks.