Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are now going to consider the 2016 Appropriation Accounts for the Department of Health, Vote 38, and the HSE's Financial Statements for 2017. From the Department of Health we are joined by Mr. Jim Breslin, Secretary General, Mr. Colin Desmond, Ms Fiona Prendergast, Ms Aonraid Dunne, Ms Pamela Carter and Mr. Kieran Harrington. From the HSE we are joined by Mr. John Connaghan, director general, Mr. Stephen Mulvany, chief financial officer, Mr. Liam Woods and Ms Mairéad Dolan. From the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, we are joined by Mr. Peter Brazel, Mr. Kieran Dollard and Mr. Terry Jennings. They are all very welcome to today's meeting.

I remind all present in the room that all mobile phones must be put onto aeroplane mode as merely putting them on silent mode can interfere with the recording system.

I advise the witnesses 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 this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of the evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or persons or entity, by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the provisions within Standing Orders that the committee shall also refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such policies. 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, in accordance with the witness protocol.

We will start by hearing the opening statement of the Comptroller and Auditor General.