Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The subject of this morning's meeting largely came about on foot of findings in an "RTÉ Investigates" programme which aired on 21 November 2017. In this, the first of two sessions, we will engage with officials from the Department of Health and representatives of the HSE. In the second session we will hear views from the Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish Hospital Consultants Association. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Ms Teresa Cody and Mr. Paddy Barrett of the Department of Health and Mr. Liam Woods, Ms Angela Fitzgerald and Ms Colette Cowan of the HSE to discuss oversight and monitoring of hospital consultants contracts, including enforcement, impact on waiting lists, stretch income targets and issues relating to the role of clinical directors and hospital management.

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 it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, 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, 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.