Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to welcome from HIQA Ms Mary Dunnion, chief inspector and director of regulation, and Ms Eva Boyle, inspection manager at HIQA's children's team. I thank them for appearing before us this afternoon.

Before we commence and in accordance with procedure, I am required to 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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to 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 or her identifiable.

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.

May I also remind all parties to turn off their mobile phones as it interferes with the parliamentary reporters and the recording system, and our web streaming is adversely affected.

I wish to advise that any submissions or opening statements that you have made to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting.

Our witnesses have kindly provided us with an opening statement but members have requested that the statement be taken as read. We will proceed to put questions to the witnesses, beginning with Deputy Anne Rabbitte.