Chairman:

I welcome Mr. Hugh Kane, chair of the oversight group to oversee the next stages of the review of A Vision for Change, and Mr. Michael Murchan, assistant principal in the mental health unit of the Department of Health. On behalf of the committee, I thank them for coming and offer my sincere apologies for having asked them to exit quickly earlier. The format of the meeting is that the witnesses will be invited to make brief opening statements, which will be followed by a question and answer session.

Before we begin, I draw the witnesses' attention to the position regarding privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee 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. 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 or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members should be aware that under the salient rulings of the Chair, they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode. Mobile phones interfere with the sound system. I advise the witnesses that any submission or opening statement they make to the committee will be published on the its website after this meeting.

I now invite Mr. Kane to make his opening statement.