Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this session is to engage with representatives from Age Action Ireland, the National community Care Network and a health economist, who is not with us just yet. as we continue our examination of rights, resources and regulation of home care. On behalf of the committee I welcome Mr. Justin Moran of Age Action Ireland, Ms Maria Jackson and Mr. Fiacre Hensey of the National Community Care Network.

I draw the attention of the 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. Any opening statement made to the committee may be published on its website after the 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 invite Mr. Justin Moran to make his opening statement.