Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to engage with representatives from the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services, AIMS, Ireland, in regard to the national maternity strategy 2016-2026. This meeting follows on from our meeting on the same subject on 19 January at which the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the HSE made presentations. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Professor Louise Kenny and Dr. Peter Boylan of the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Dr. Krysia Lynch and Ms Breda Kearns of the Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services Ireland.

I draw the attention of witnesses 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 this committee. However, 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 and they 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 wish to advise witnesses that any submission or opening statements they have made to the committee may be published on the committee's 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Professor Kenny to make her opening statement.