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

I remind those present to ensure their mobile phones are switched off or in aeroplane mode so that they do not interfere with the sound system. I welcome our visitors, the members of the committee and those who are watching the committee's proceedings online.

During this morning's session, we will examine how we can move towards an integrated model of health and social care. We have decided to focus in this discussion on two important pillars of community and social care: mental health services and social supports for older people. To reflect on these themes, we are having two sessions this morning with stakeholders who made submissions to the committee. Representatives of St. Patrick's mental health services are present to discuss mental health and community services. We will meet representatives of Mental Health Reform, the Forum on Long-Term Care for Older People and Family Carers Ireland at approximately 11 a.m.

I welcome Mr. Paul Gilligan, who is the chief executive officer of St. Patrick's mental health services, SPMHS. He is accompanied by Professor Jim Lucey, who is the medical director of SPMHS, and Mr. Tom Maher, who is the director of services of SPMHS. This long-standing and well-respected institution has over 700 staff members, who deliver 12% of the country's total inpatient mental health care at two inpatient campuses: St. Patrick's University Hospital in Dublin 8 and St. Edmundsbury Hospital in Lucan. It offers a range of services for adults with mood disorders, psychosis, addictions, anxiety disorders and eating disorders. Adolescent mental health services are catered for at the Willow Grove facility on the grounds of St. Patrick's University Hospital. A wellness and recovery centre offers day service programmes and community clinics in Dublin, Cork and Galway. There are also some other national services.

I want to go through the formalities in respect of privilege. I wish to 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 this committee. 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. 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. I remind members of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Gilligan to make the opening presentation. He is very welcome.