Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This morning the committee will engage with the researchers from the Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, on its Projections of Demand for Healthcare in Ireland, 2015-2030 report and with Professor Tom O'Dowd, emeritus professor of general practice, public health and primary care at Trinity College centre for health services, and a GP in Tallaght, on his report A Future Together - Building a Better GP and Primary Care Service. The committee is holding this engagement as part of its discussions around primary care expansion, as recommended in the Sláintecare report. I remind witnesses to turn off their phones or switch them to airplane mode. On behalf of the committee I welcome Dr. Maev-Ann Wren and Dr. Conor Keegan from the ESRI and Professor Tom O’Dowd from Trinity College Dublin.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the joint committee. If, however, they are directed by it 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. Witnesses 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 or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Any submission or opening statement submitted 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 invite Dr. Maev-Ann Wren to make her opening statement.