John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Today we are joined by the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, and his officials from the Department of Health to discuss the public sector secondment issue.

Witnesses who are physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected pursuant to the constitutional statute by absolute privilege. They are 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 their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect they should not comment on, criticise nor make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members attending remotely of the constitutional requirements that members must be physically present within the confines of the place that parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate fully in public meetings.

I invite the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly, to give his opening statement.