Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to engage with the Minister for Health, the Department of Health and the HSE in our quarterly meetings on the current issues that face our health service. On behalf of the committee I welcome the Minister, Deputy Simon Harris. I am aware that he will be accompanied by a number of his Ministers of State who will attend as they become available.

I also welcome: Mr. Jim Breslin, Secretary General of the Department of Health; and from the HSE, Mr. Paul Reid, director general; Ms. Anne O’Connor, chief operations officer; Dr. Colm Henry, chief clinical officer; and Mr. Liam Woods, who I understand will be joining us as well.

I wish to draw the attention of those in attendance 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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to 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 or her identifiable.

I also wish to advise 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 call now on the Minister, Deputy Harris, to make his opening statement please.