Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We will continue with an engagement with representatives of Nursing Homes Ireland. We will examine the 2016 financial statements of the National Treatment Purchase Fund and matters related to the fair deal scheme. To assist us in our examination, we have invited representatives of Nursing Homes Ireland to discuss related matters with us in a short session before we deal with the National Treatment Purchase Fund.

I remind members and those in the Public Gallery that Nursing Homes Ireland is not a public body and its representatives are here voluntarily. We are joined today by Mr. Tadhg Daly, chief executive, Mr. Maurice Pratt, chairperson, Ms Vicky McDwyer, director and Ms Sinead Morrissey, practice development facilitator. Behind them are Mr. Michael McGlynn and Ms Fiona Kenny. They are all welcome to today's meeting. I apologise for the late start. We had indicated that we would meet this morning. We had representatives of the HSE and the State Claims Agency in and it went on much longer than we had predicted. I thank the witnesses for waiting for us. As a result we are tight for time and, therefore, I ask the witnesses to be as concise as possible with their opening statements. They do not have to read it all. The key points will be sufficient.

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile phones or to put them on airplane mode. Putting phones on silent is not enough because it will interfere with the recording system. I advise witnesses 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 against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

While we expect witnesses to answer questions put by the committee clearly and with candour, witnesses can and should expect to be treated fairly and with respect and consideration at all times.

I ask Mr. Tadhg Daly for a synopsis of his opening statement.