Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the meeting is to meet in the first session the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisations, INMO, and the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and in the second the Health Service Executive, HSE, to discuss the national maternity strategy, 2016 to 2026, which was prepared by the maternity strategy steering group. On behalf of the joint committee, from the INMO I welcome to the first session Ms Mary Leahy, vice president, and Ms Mary Gorman, executive council member. I also welcome from the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Dr. Peter Boylan, chairperson, and Professor Louise Kenny who will provide us with their perspective on this key strategy document.

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 it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise that any opening statement or other material submitted to the committee may be published on its website after the 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 ask Ms Leahy to make her opening statement.