Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to undertake detailed scrutiny of the Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill 2017. In this, the first of two sessions, we will engage with Deputy Kelleher and in the second session we will meet with officials from the Department of Health. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Deputy Kelleher, accompanied by Dr. Jean O'Sullivan, consultant in emergency medicine at Tallaght hospital.

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 advise witnesses that any opening statements they have made to the committee 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 ask Deputy Kelleher to make his opening statement.