Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We resume our discussion on what it takes to sustain a viable rural community with representatives of the Health Service Executive and the Irish Medical Organisation. From the Health Service Executive I welcome Mr. John Hennessy, national director of primary care, Dr. David Hanlon, national clinical adviser and group lead primary care, Mr. John Hayes, chief officer of community health care area 1, which includes counties Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo, and Mr. Pat O'Dowd, assistant national director, of the HSE national contracts office. From the Irish Medical Organisation I welcome Dr. Martin Daly, member of IMO GP committee; and Mr. Val Moran, assistant director of industrial relations.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses 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 persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statement and any other documents witnesses have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee's website after this meeting. 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 any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

We will now continue our consideration of stream 2 of our project and what makes a sustainable viable rural community. In this session we will focus on maintaining a continuous and effective medical service in rural communities, including locally based doctors and clinics. I call Mr. Hennessy on behalf of the Health Service Executive to address the committee.