Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We are joined in the Chamber by Mr. Martin Varley, secretary general of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association, IHCA, and Mr. Maurice Neligan, consultant orthopaedic surgeon. From committee room 1 we are joined by Professor Alan Irvine, consultant dermatologist, IHCA, and from the Irish Medical Organisation, IMO, Ms Susan Clyne, CEO, Dr. Anthony O'Connor, and Dr. Matthew Sadlier. Can we be heard in committee room 1? Yes.

I wish to advise the witnesses 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. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 or persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the provisions in Standing Order 186 that the committee should also refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such policies. We expect witnesses to answer questions asked by the committee clearly and with candour. Nevertheless, witnesses should expect to be treated fairly and with respect and consideration at all times and if they have a concern in that regard, I invite them to raises that concern immediately. I remind members that witnesses should be treated in accordance with the witness protocol.

I ask, finally, that all witnesses confine their opening statements to five minutes - these have been circulated in advance. We are under very tight time constraints. I ask Mr. Varley for his opening statement.