Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The witnesses will forgive me if I do not mention everybody by name because I may forget somebody. On behalf of the committee, I would like to welcome the Minister, Deputy Harris, who is accompanied by the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health and older people, Deputy Helen McEntee, the Minister of State with responsibility for disability, Deputy Finian McGrath, the Minister of State with responsibility for the national drugs strategy, Deputy Catherine Byrne, Mr. Jim Breslin, Secretary General of the Department, Ms Frances Spillane, assistant secretary, and Dr. Siobhán O'Halloran, assistant secretary. I would also like to welcome the director general of the HSE, Mr Tony O'Brien, who is accompanied by Mr. John Hennessy, Mr. Liam Woods, Mr. Pat Healy, Ms Rosarii Mannion and Mr. Jim Ryan, to our quarterly meeting. I would like to thank Mr. Ray Mitchell and Mr. Derek McCormack for their assistance with the questions submitted by members. I am conscious of time. We would like to conclude the meeting by noon if possible.

I would like to 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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 that effect where possible. They should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entities by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise them that any submission or opening statement they have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee website after this meeting.

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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now ask the Minister, Deputy Harris, to make his opening statement. I will then invite Mr. O'Brien to make his opening statement.