Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This afternoon we are meeting officials from the Department of Health to discuss Brexit. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the implications for the health sector of the decision of the United Kingdom to withdraw from the European Union. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Muiris O'Connor, Mr. Fergal Goodman, Mr. Tom Monks, Mr. Kieran Smith and Ms Sarah Rose Flynn of the Department.

I wish to draw their 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 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. 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I also remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode.

I now ask Mr. Muiris O'Connor to make his opening statement.