Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This morning we are going to look at the report of the Independent Review Group on Private Activity in Public Hospitals. I would like to welcome Dr. Donal de Buitléir, chair of the Independent Review Group on Private Activity in Public Hospitals, and Dr. Conor Keegan, research officer with the ESRI. We will be having a second session at around 11.30 a.m. at which Laura Magahy from the Sláintecare Implementation Office will give us an update on progress in relation to Sláintecare.

I wish to draw your attention 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 you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and you continue to do so, you are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of your evidence. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given, and you are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, you 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 you that any opening statements you have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee's website after this meeting.

Members are reminded that 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 ask Dr. Keegan to make his opening statement.