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

I remind all present to turn off their mobile phones or to at least switch them to flight mode in order that they will not interfere with the sound recording. I welcome our witnesses, those watching and members. For this morning's session, we will engage with representatives of the health workforce, who will outline their vision of health service reform. Health professionals including nurses, doctors and non-medical support staff are the beating heart of our hospitals and community health services, as we know. As Professor Keane emphasised at last week's session, reform programmes need to achieve buy-in from members of the public and staff. This is critical and is the message coming through from a number of the witnesses we have had to date.

Our first session will be with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ICTU. We will meet representatives of the Irish Medical Organisation, IMO, at 10.30 a.m. and those from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, INMO, at 11.30 a.m..

I welcome Ms Patricia King, general secretary of ICTU; Mr. Liam Doran, general secretary of the INMO, Mr. Paul Bell, health division organiser at SIPTU, Mr. Terry Casey, general secretary of the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association, Mr. Eamonn Donnelly, national secretary of the health and welfare division of IMPACT, and Mr. Liam Berney, industrial officer, public sector, ICTU.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they 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 understand that Ms Patricia King and Mr. Liam Doran will be making opening statements. I now invite Ms King to make her opening statement.