Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health this evening is to engage with patient representatives on CervicalCheck and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists review process. On behalf of the committee I welcome to the meeting Mr. Stephen Teap and Ms Lorraine Walsh, both of whom were patient representatives of the 221+ Patient Support Group. Stephen Teap remains the representative for this group. In advance of our meeting tomorrow with the RCOG assessors, the Department and the HSE, it is important that we hear from representatives of the women and families impacted where there was failure to prevent cervical cancer or a failure that led to a delayed diagnosis.

I wish to draw witnesses' attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and you continue to so do, 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, her or it identifiable. Any opening statements you have made to the committee can be published on the committee 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 call on Mr. Teap to make an opening statement.