Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We are meeting the HSE's national clinical leads for its national clinical programmes on stroke, heart failure and older people, as well as its national director for clinical programmes and strategy in order to hear the views of the individuals concerned and about the progress made in their individual disciplines. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Professor Rónán Collins, clinical lead for the national stroke programme; Professor Ken McDonald, clinical lead for the heart failure programme and Dr. Diarmuid O'Shea, clinical lead for the programme for older people.

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 or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I 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 invite Dr. O'Shea to make his opening statement.