Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this second session is to hear details of the projected overspend on the health Vote for 2018, with officials from the Department of Health and the HSE presenting to the committee. On behalf of the committee, I welcome from the Mr. Colm Desmond, assistant secretary, and Ms Fiona Prendergast, principal officer, from the finance unit of the Department of Health and Mr. Stephen Mulvany, chief financial officer and deputy director of the HSE.

I draw to the witnesses' attention 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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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. I also 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 either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now invite Mr. Desmond to make his opening statement.