Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In accordance with Standing Order 141(2), the purpose of this meeting is to scrutinise in detail the provisions of the Health and Social Care Professionals (Amendment) Bill 2016, in the name of Deputy Howlin.

The committee will now meet in this, the first of two sessions in the analysis of the Bill, with Deputy Howlin. Following the conclusion of this session, the committee will meet with officials from the Department of Health to hear their views on the Bill. On behalf of the committee I welcome Deputy Brendan Howlin, Mr. Neil Ward and Mr. Finbarr O'Malley. I draw the 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 the Chairman 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. Witnesses 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 or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also advise witnesses that any submission or opening statement they have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee's website after this meeting. I remind committee members of the longstanding parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment upon, criticise or make charges against any person or official outside the House by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I now invite Deputy Howlin to make his opening statement.