Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This morning we are meeting officials from the Department of Health and the HSE to discuss the ongoing overcrowding issues in hospitals and the delays in admissions and outpatient appointments. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Mr. Paul Bolger, who is the director of the scheduled and unscheduled care performance unit of the Department of Health; Ms Susan Scally, who is a principal officer with responsibility for unscheduled care; and Ms Linda O’Rourke, who is an assistant principal officer with responsibility for scheduled care. I also welcome Mr. Liam Woods, who is the HSE's national director of acute hospitals; Ms Colette Cowan, who is the chief executive officer of the University of Limerick hospital group; and Mr. Bernard Gloster, who is the chief officer for community health organisation area 3.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, thereafter they are entitled 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. 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. I advise the witnesses that any opening statements they have made to the committee may be published on the committee's 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 charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Mr. Paul Bolger of the Department of Health to make his opening statement.