Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This is the first of two sessions on overcrowding in emergency departments, the purpose of which is to engage with the Irish Association of Emergency Medicine, ICTU and Patient Focus. The HSE will attend for the second session.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Emily O'Conor of the Irish Association of Emergency Medicine, IAEM, Ms Patricia King, general secretary of ICTU, Mr. Liam Doran, chair of ICTU's health sector committee, and Ms Sheila O'Connor and Ms Brigid Doherty of Patient Focus, who will provide us with their perspectives on the issues that have been rumbling on for many years.

I draw 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 it 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. They 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. Any submission or opening statement that the witnesses make to the committee may be published on the committee's 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 call on Dr. O'Conor to make her opening statement.