Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the meeting is to review the National Maternity Strategy 2016-2026 with the national programme director for the national women and infants' health programme of the HSE, the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, INMO. On behalf of the committee I welcome Mr. Kilian McGrane, national programme director; Ms Angela Dunne and Dr. Peter McKenna of the national women and infants' health programme; Dr. Peter Boylan of the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists; and Ms Mary O'Gorman, Ms Mary Leahy and Ms Phil Ní Sheaghdha of the INMO.

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. I also wish to advise the witnesses that the opening statements they have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee's 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 Mr. Kilian McGrane to make his opening statement.