Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

At this morning's meeting we will again try to establish and tease out the implications for the health sector of the decision of Britain to withdraw from the European Union. Members will recall that we held a meeting on this matter on 8 March last year. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Muiris O'Connor, Mr. Kieran Smyth, Ms Judith Szlovak and Mr. Sean Howlett of the Department of Health.

I wish to draw attention 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 Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they 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 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 also advise that any submission or opening statements made to the committee will be published on the committee website after this 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.

That is the housekeeping out of the way. I welcome all the witnesses. Mr. O'Connor's opening statement is quite lengthy, so I ask that he summarise it. I am sure all the committee members have read it. We want to get to the questions and answers session as soon as possible.