Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome representatives from the Irish Hospitals Consultants Association, IHCA, and the Irish Medical Organisation, IMO, to our meeting. They will brief the committee on the general scheme of the mental health (amendment) Bill. I welcome, from the IMO, Dr. Aideen Brides, IMO GP committee, Professor Matthew Sadlier, IMO consultant committee, Ms Susan Clyne, CEO, and Ms Vanessa Hetherington, assistant director, policy and international affairs. From the IHCA, I welcome Ms Alice McGarvey, assistant secretary, Dr. Anne Doherty, consultant liaison psychiatrist from the Mater Hospital, Dr. Brendan Doody, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, Linn Dara CAMHS, Dr. Donal O'Hanlon, consultant adult psychiatrist, Naas General Hospital and Kildare-west Wicklow mental health services, and Mr. Martin Varley, secretary general.

Before we hear opening statements, I need to point out to witnesses that there is uncertainty about whether parliamentary privilege will apply to evidence given from a location outside the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. Therefore, if they are directed by me to cease giving evidence on a particular matter, they must respect that direction. All members and witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I ask Ms Susan Clyne to make her opening remarks.