Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This morning we are meeting with officials from the Department of Health as part of the committee's pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the Patient Safety Bill 2018. The Bill covers a number of patient safety priorities, including mandatory open disclosure of serious, reportable patient safety incidents, the notification of reportable incidents to the regulator, the use of clinical audit to improve patient care and outcomes and the extension of HIQA's remit to private hospitals.

On behalf of the committee, I would like to welcome Dr. Tony Holohan, chief medical officer; Mr. David Keating, head of patient safety and advocacy policy unit; and Ms Elizabeth Adams, patient safety and advocacy officer of the Department of Health.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact 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.

I wish to advise the witnesses that any opening statements they make to the committee may be published on the committee's website after the 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 either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now ask Dr. Holohan to make his opening statement.