Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This morning, we engage with the Health Information and Quality Authority to discuss its 2023 financial statements. From the authority, I welcome Ms Fitzgerald, Mr. Finbarr Colfer, chief inspector designate, Mr. Sean Angland, chief operating officer, Mr. Sean Egan, director of healthcare regulation and Ms Susan Cliffe, deputy chief inspector with responsibility for older persons services. From the Department of Health, I welcome Mr. Patrick Dolan, principal officer in patient safety policy and governance and Mr. Niall Sinnott, principal officer in ehealth and health information systems. From the Health Service Executive, I welcome Ms Patricia Whelehan, assistant national director of services for older people - access and integration, Ms Amanda Casey, chief social worker, and Mr. Pat Healy, national director of national services and schemes. We are joined by officials from the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, including the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, who is a permanent witness to the committee, and Mr. Mark Brady, deputy director of audit. You are all very welcome.

I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards reference 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 the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Leas-Chathaoirleach to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory with regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. Witnesses are also 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 may be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory regarding an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I ask Mr. Seamus McCarthy, the Comptroller and Auditor General, to make his opening remarks.