Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this morning's session is to meet officials from the Department of Health and representatives from the Health Service Executive, HSE, and CervicalCheck in order to get further clarification on the evolving situation in CervicalCheck, including the processes surrounding open disclosure, the quality of the screening programme and the impact this has on medical care of women. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Jim Breslin, Secretary General at the Department of Health, and Dr. Tony Holohan, chief medical officer of the Department. From the HSE, we welcome Mr. John Connaghan, interim director general; Mr. Damien McCallion, national director of the National Screening Service; Dr. Stephanie O'Keeffe, national director of strategic planning and transformation; and Dr. Peter McKenna, clinical director at the national women and infants' health programme.

I 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 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 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 any charges against a person outside of the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Jim Breslin to make his opening statement.