Joan Freeman (Independent) | Oireachtas source

From Mental Health Reform, I welcome Ms Shari McDaid, director, and Ms Kate Mitchell, senior policy and research officer. On behalf of the committee, I thank them for their attendance. The witnesses will be invited to make a brief opening statement, followed by a questions and answers session. I hope they will forgive the low attendance. Many members are currently voting in the Houses as there is pressure to pass legislation before the upcoming summer recess. I remind the witnesses that the proceedings are recorded and held in public. Their comments will be noted in our report.

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.

Members should be aware that, under the salient rulings of the Chair, 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 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 Ms McDaid to make her opening statement.