Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to engage with officials from the Department of Health and a representative of the Institute of Public Administration in relation to the subject of adult safeguarding and issues which might be considered in the context of drafting legalisation in this area. On behalf of the committee, I would like to welcome from the Department of Health, Ms Frances Spillane, assistant secretary, social care and disabilities, and Mr. Niall Redmond, principal officer, services for older people, and Ms Joanna O'Riordan from the Institute of Public Administration.

I draw the attention of witnesses 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. I also wish to advise witnesses that any submission or opening statements they have 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 of the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now ask Ms Frances Spillane of the Department of Health to make her opening statement.