Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to consider home care services. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Celine Clarke and Ms Audry Deane of Age Action Ireland; Mr. Liam O'Sullivan, Mr. Pat McLoughlin and Ms Joan Carthy representing Care Alliance Ireland; Mr. Joseph Musgrave and Mr. Ed Crotty of Home and Community Care Ireland; and Mr. John Dunne and Ms Clare Duffy from Family Carers Ireland. I thank them for coming.

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 to only 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 advise witnesses that any opening statements made to the committee may be published on its 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Ms Audry Deane of Age Action Ireland to make her opening statement.