Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to engage with the Minister, his officials, the new director general of the HSE and his staff to update the committee on current issues relating to the health service. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the Minister, Deputy Harris. Ministers of State will be coming shortly. I welcome Mr. Jim Breslin, Secretary General of the Department of Health and Mr. Paul Reid, the new director general of the HSE. I congratulate him on his appointment. We look forward to working with him in many years to come. We welcome Ms Anne O'Connor, Mr. Liam Woods, Dr. Colm Henry and, from University Hospital Waterford, Ms Grace Rothwell.

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 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 alert members of the committee that the Minister is under pressure for time and needs to leave by 12.30 p.m. I ask them to ask concise questions. We have a representative, Ms Rothwell, from University Hospital Waterford, so we will also address issues relating to that.