Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, witnesses and people in the Public Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off. This is important because they cause serious interference with the broadcasting and sound recording systems. Apologies have been received from Deputy Michael Harty.

This meeting comprises two public sessions during which the committee will hear evidence on different aspects of the health reform agenda. In the first session, we will hear evidence from Dr. Stephen Kinsella, an economist from the University of Limerick, on workforce planning models in the health service. In the second session, we will hear evidence from Mr. Richard Corbridge, chief information officer with the Health Service Executive, on the role ICT can play in delivering an integrated health service.

Before we begin, I acknowledge the work of the wide range of stakeholders who contributed to the committee's public call for submissions, which process closed recently. The response was very strong. That is very welcome.

The committee received in the region of 140 responses, which were hugely informative and will assist us all in our ongoing work.

With that, I welcome Dr. Stephen Kinsella to the committee. I draw the attention of the witness to the fact 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 parliamentary practice 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.

I invite Dr. Kinsella to make his opening statement.