Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses from the HSE. I thank Mr. Woods for coming back so soon after being here last week. I also thank his colleagues from the HSE, including those from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, HPSC.

I advise all witnesses 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 this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and 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, her or it identifiable.

I ask Mr. Woods to introduce his colleagues from the HSE and to briefly outline the key points of his submission to the committee, which has been circulated to all members.