Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We are now meeting representatives from the Health Information and Quality Authority and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner for pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the health information and patient safety Bill. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Phelim Quinn, chief executive; Ms Mary Dunnion, director of regulation; Ms Rachel Flynn, director of health information at HIQA; Ms Helen Dixon, commissioner; and Mr. Dale Sunderland of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.

I draw the witnesses' attention to the fact 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 the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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 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.

I also advise the witnesses that any submission or opening statements they make to the committee may be published on the committee website after this meeting. I remind members of the longstanding parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside of the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now ask Mr. Phelim Quinn to make his opening statement.