Joan Freeman (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Dr. Harry Barry, who is a general practitioner, GP and author. From the Irish Council for Psychotherapy, I welcome Ms Jean Manahan, CEO, and Ms Ann Murphy, who is a psychotherapist. I welcome, from the Department of Health, Ms Kate O'Flaherty, director of health and well-being, and from the Department of Education and Skills, Ms Anne Tansey, director of the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, and Ms Margaret Grogan, regional director of NEPS. On behalf of the committee, I thank the witnesses for their attendance today. The format of the meeting is the witnesses will be invited to make brief opening statements followed by question-and-answer sessions.

Before we begin, I draw the attention of our witnesses to the situation regarding privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are about to give 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 or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Under the salient rulings of the Chair, members 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 remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or put them on flight mode because they have an impact on our sound system.

Any submissions or opening statements the witnesses make to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. I invite Dr. Harry Barry to make his opening statement.