Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Senator Mary Seery Kearney is substituting for Senator Seán Kyne and apologies have been received from Senator Frances Black. Today's meeting will be split into two sessions. In the first session we are meeting representatives from Mesh Ireland and Mesh Survivors Ireland and in the second session we are to meet representatives of the HSE to discuss issues relating to vaginal mesh implants. The committee will also endeavour to examine issues relating to abdominal mesh on a separate occasion in the near future.

I welcome from Mesh Ireland Ms Mary McLaughlin, Ms Amanda Jackson and Ms Margaret Bolger. From Mesh Survivors Ireland, I welcome Ms Terri Martin, Ms Margaret Byrne and Ms Louise Keogh. 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 to otherwise engage in a speech that might be seen or regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or identity. Therefore, if the statements are potentially defamatory with respect to an identifiable person or entity, witnesses will be directed to discontinue the remarks.

It is imperative that they comply with any such directions.

There is a pending litigation arising out of the use of mesh devices. Those cases have yet to come before the courts, which will decide the issues of fact and legal liability. In the light of the constitutional separation of powers and the respect the Oireachtas must show for the courts, this hearing should not prejudice or attempt to second-guess or influence the outcome of that litigation. Witnesses and members should therefore avoid comments which in effect prejudge the outcome of such cases, such as allegations of negligence or legal liability.

I call on Ms McLaughlin to make her opening remarks.