Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to engage with the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, and the Secretary General of the Department on progress made on the implementation of the key recommendations contained in the Sláintecare report prepared by the Committee on the Future of Healthcare. The report was launched on 30 May last and this is an opportune time to review progress. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome the Minister, Deputy Harris, Mr. Jim Breslin, Secretary General, and Ms Laura Casey, principal officer.

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. If, however, they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also advise witnesses that opening statements may be published on the committee's 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 the Minister to make his opening statement.