Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This morning we will have a pre-legislative scrutiny meeting on the General Scheme of the Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination, and Public Display) Bill 2018. We have witnesses from the Department of Health and representatives from the Irish Kidney Association, the Irish Donor Network and Organ Donation Transplant Ireland. On behalf of the committee I welcome to our first session Mr. Michael Conroy, principal officer, and Ms Helen O'Brien, assistant principal, from the Department of Health; Professor Jim Egan, director, and Ms Fiona Hammond, CEO, from Organ Donation Transplant Ireland; Mr. Mark Murphy, chief executive, and Mr. John Whelan, national secretary, from the Irish Kidney Association; and Mr. Philip Watt, chairperson, and Mr. Robert McCutcheon, Patient Group, from the Irish Donor Network.

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 invite Mr. Conroy to make his opening statement.