Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This morning, the committee is meeting with representatives of the HSE and CervicalCheck to receive an update on the CervicalCheck programme. The committee has expressed a particular interest in hearing about the proposed introduction of HPV testing for cervical screening and in discussing delayed smear reporting.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Damien McCallion, national director of screening services, Dr. Colm Henry, chief clinical officer, and Ms Michele Tait, HSE implementation lead for the Scally report, and Dr. Lorraine Doherty, the new clinical director of CervicalCheck.

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 the evidence they give to the joint committee. If, however, they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise witnesses that any opening statements they make to the committee may be published on its 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. McCallion to make his opening statement.