Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank members for their patience. The purpose of this morning's meeting is to engage with representatives of the Health Service Executive, HSE, the national safeguarding committee and Sage on the subject of adult safeguarding and the matters that might be considered in the context of drafting legislation in this area. On behalf of the committee I welcome from the HSE Mr. Pat Healy, national director of the social care division; Mr. Michael Fitzgerald, head of operations and service improvement for older people; and Mr. Tim Hanly, general manager of the national safeguarding office. From Inclusion Ireland and the national safeguarding committee we welcome Ms Patricia Rickard-Clarke and Ms Sarah Lennon. From Sage we welcome Mr. Mervyn Taylor and Ms Eileen O'Callaghan.

I draw 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 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. Any submission or opening statement 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I ask those present to switch off mobile phones or switch them to airplane mode.

I ask Mr. Pat Healy of the HSE to make his opening statement.