Colette Kelleher (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome our visitors. At a previous meeting, we considered the Ombudsman's Nursing Home Casebook. To help us consider this matter further, I am pleased to welcome the Ombudsman, Mr. Peter Tyndall, who is accompanied by Ms Jennifer Hanrahan and Mr. Tom Morgan. I advise witnesses to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system.

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 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. The opening statement and any other documents submitted may be published on the committee 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I now invite Mr. Tyndall to make his presentation. He has already circulated a report to the committee so we would appreciate it if he could give us a ten minute summary of what he has already circulated.