Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to undertake pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the children's health Bill 2017 with officials from the Department of Health and officers from the Children's Hospital Group. On behalf of the committee, I would like to welcome from the Department of Health, Ms Fionnuala Duffy and Ms Siobhán Kennan, and from the Children's Hospital Group, Eilísh Hardiman, chief executive officer, and Valerie Plant, chief financial officer.

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 opening statements they make 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on MsFionnuala Duffy to make her opening statement.