Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Our next business is our engagement with Ms. Susan Mullins and Mr. Barry Torpey who are representing the Save St. Brigid’s Action Group. This concerns Petition No. 48 of 2021, Save St. Brigid’s Hospital, from Councillor David Dunne.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references to other persons witnesses may make in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to both the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. 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 the person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

Before we hear from our witnesses, I propose we publish Ms Mullins's and Mr. Torpey's opening statement on the committee’s website. Is that agreed? Agreed. On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to Ms Mullins and Mr. Torpey, who will both read out the statement. I suggest they should make the statement for around ten minutes, if they wish. We will then have questions and comments from members. I ask members to confine themselves to about ten minutes at the start. This will allow members to contribute more than once. I invite our guests to begin.