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

We recommence in public session. We are moving on to a different but somewhat related aspect of community and social care, with a particular emphasis on supports for older people in the community. I apologise for the delay and am sorry the witnesses were waiting so long. Notwithstanding that, I want to extend a very warm welcome to them all. We are joined by Dr. Michael Browne, author of the report of the Forum on Long-Term Care for Older People; Professor Cillian Twomey, co-chair of the forum, retired consultant geriatrician and former president of the IMO; Ms Patricia Rickard-Clarke, co-chair of the forum and former member of the Law Reform Commission; and Mr. John Dunne, CEO of Family Carers Ireland.

In January, the advocacy and support organisation for older people, Sage, in partnership with Third Age, Family Carers Ireland and ALONE, sought submissions on the issue of long-term care for older people. The report arising out of that consultation by the Forum on Long-Term Care for Older People, prepared by Dr. Michael Browne, has been circulated to members. Dr. Browne will present on the findings and recommendations of the report and Mr. John Dunne, CEO of Family Carers Ireland, will present on the carer's perspective.

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 Dr. Browne to make the opening presentation.