Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Our next business is our engagement with officials from the HSE concerning Councillor David Dunne's Petition No. 48 of 2021, Save St. Brigid’s Hospital. I welcome members of the Save St. Brigid’s Action Group in the Public Gallery.

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 the opening statement on the committee’s website. Is that agreed? Agreed. On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to Ms Kate Killeen White, chief officer, and Ms Helen McDaid, head of services for older persons, South East Community Healthcare; Mr. Ciarán Ruane, estates manager, HSE capital and estates department; and Ms Anne Walsh, director of nursing, St. Theresa's District Hospital, Clogheen, County Tipperary. Ms Killeen White will make the statement. I suggest she should make the statement for ten minutes. We will then have questions and comments from members, each of whom will have approximately ten minutes. This will allow members to contribute again in the second round. I invite Ms Killeen White to make her opening statement.