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

This is the quarterly meeting with the Minister for Health and the director general of the HSE. The purpose of this morning's meeting is to allow the Minister for Health, his officials and the director general to update committee members on key health care issues. The committee has flagged it would particularly like to have the issue of hospital overcrowding addressed during this session. On behalf of the committee I welcome the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, who is accompanied by the Ministers of State, Deputies Jim Daly and Finian McGrath. From the Department of Health I welcome Mr. Greg Dempsey, deputy secretary, and Mr. Jim Breslin, Secretary General. I also welcome the director general of the HSE, Mr. Tony O'Brien, who is accompanied by Mr. John Connaghan, Ms Anne O'Connor, Mr. Liam Woods and Mr. Ray Mitchell.

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.

Any opening statements made to the committee may be published on its 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Before the Minister makes his opening statement, I note the lateness of its delivery to the committee. Replies to questions arrived at 8.40 p.m. last night and the Minister's statement arrived at 8.40 a.m. this morning. This point has been made on several occasions. Committee members have their own views on the matter, to which we will come, but I wish to put on the record that if we are to have a proper and meaningful engagement, it would be helpful to have the relevant information beforehand. I call on the Minister to make his opening statement.