Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I have received apologies from Deputies Regina Doherty, Eamonn Maloney, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and Robert Troy and from Senator Imelda Henry. I remind members to keep their mobile telephones turned off or in aeroplane mode, as otherwise they interfere with the broadcasting of proceedings. Moreover, it is unfair to have members of staff having to listen to buzzing noises from their headphones.

Today's meeting is the second in a series of hearings scheduled to take place during November on end-of-life care. This is a very sensitive issue which affects every citizen and every family in this country. We are grateful for the co-operation of all witnesses, both those working in the voluntary sector and those who are statutorily obliged to attend. Today's delegates have diligently prepared reports for the committee, together with their opening statements which will be of six minutes duration in each case.

I welcome Dr. Paul Gregan, chairman of the Irish Hospice Foundation's primary palliative care initiative; Ms Mary Burke, chairman of Nursing Homes Ireland; Ms Anne Tan, clinical nurse manager and member of the Institute of Community Health Nursing; Mr. Gerry Martin, chief executive officer of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland; and Professor Declan Walsh, professor of palliative medicine at Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. I also welcome the representatives of different groups and organisations who are in the Visitors Gallery today.

I remind witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of that matter. Delegates are directed that only evidence connected to the matters under discussion should be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice and ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I sincerely welcome all our guests and thank them for participating in our series of hearings. I invite Dr. Gregan to make his opening remarks.