Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise to our guests for the absence of the Chairman and the Vice Chairman. I understand the Chairman will be back in a few minutes but rather than delaying the delegates, we will start with their presentations.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Peadar Gilligan, Mr. Anthony Owens and Ms Susan Clyne of the IMO and Dr. Tom Ryan and Mr. Martin Varley of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association to discuss the 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.

I also wish to advise that 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 welcome the delegates and ask the Irish Medical Organisation, IMO, to make its opening statement.