Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Today we have three different groups and three sets of witnesses to speak to us on issues around the HSE closure of vital health services in counties Galway, Cork and Tipperary. The first set of witnesses will be invited to give their opening statement. This will be followed by questions and comments from members to those witnesses. Then the next set of witnesses will give their opening statement and so forth. Members will have an opportunity at the end to pose final questions to the witnesses or to make comments.

The Loughrea concerned citizens group will go first and then the Owenacurra group and the save St. Brigid's action group. Each group will have about 40 minutes to make opening statements and to take questions after which all three will be brought in together and anybody who wishes can ask further questions.

I welcome our witnesses to today’s meeting. Ms Anna Cronin and Mr. Mattie Quinn are representing the Loughrea concerned citizens group. Their petition is No. P00020/23 - the concerned citizens group calls on the HSE to immediately reopen the existing purpose-built Seven Springs day centre for the use of the people of Loughrea and surrounding catchment area. Ms Joanna Curtis is representing the save the Owenacurra health centre campaign. Her petition is No. P00043/21 - saving the services of the Owenacurra centre, Midleton, County Cork. Ms Susan Mullins is representing the save St. Brigid’s action group. In that regard, Mr. David Dunne’s petition is No. P00048/21 - save St. Brigid’s hospital.

Before we start, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons 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 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 respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Before we hear from our witnesses, I propose that we publish the opening statements on the committee's website. Is that agreed? Agreed. Witnesses should make their opening statement for around ten minutes. We will then have questions and comments from members, each of whom will have about five minutes. Members may speak more than once. I call on Ms Anna Cronin and Mr. Mattie Quinn to make their opening statement.