Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the viewers who may be watching on the Oireachtas television channel.

I want to make a brief request before I introduce the two delegates who are in attendance for this part of the meeting. The technicians have asked me to remind members to ensure their mobile phones do not go off. Apparently, there has been some interference and, according to RTE, much of the footage is not usable. It is really important for those speaking to keep their mobiles turned off. They should be turned off at all times.

On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to Dr. Rhona Mahony, master of the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, and Professor Fergal Malone, master of the Rotunda Hospital. Professor Malone will also represent the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland as chairman of its department of obstetrics and gynaecology. Dr. Mahony and Professor Malone will address health care issues arising from the recommendations made by the Citizens' Assembly. I will not repeat what I said earlier about the provisions of the Defamation Act 2009. As they have both been here before, I am sure they are aware of the issues surrounding privilege, etc. Therefore, I will not repeat what I said earlier, unless they wish me to do so. I ask Professor Malone to make his presentation.