Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Today we are dealing with No. 7 on the agenda, the HSE's patients' private property accounts 2015, the HSE financial statement 2015, note 13, specifically in regard to the fair deal scheme; and the health repayments scheme donations fund 2015. We are here to examine them. From the HSE, we are joined by Tony O'Brien, director general, Stephen Mulvany, Pat Healy, Mairead Dolan, Michael Fitzgerald, James Gorman and Pat Marron. From the Department of Health, we are joined by Greg Dempsey, assistant secretary.

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery that all mobile phones must be switched off. I wish to advise the witnesses 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. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to 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 nor make charges against any person, persons or entity, by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the provisions within Standing Order 186 that the committee shall also refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such policies. Finally, members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call the Comptroller and Auditor General to make an opening statement in regard to the items on the agenda.