John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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We will deal now with No. 7, 2012 Annual Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General and Appropriation Accounts: Vote 38 - Health, Vote 39 - Health Service Executive, Section 38 - Agencies Remuneration. Before we begin our meeting I ask members, witnesses and those in the Visitors Gallery to turn off their mobile telephones because they interfere with the sound transmission of the meeting. During last week's meeting we got numerous complaints in this regard. I also ask members, witnesses and those in the Visitors Gallery to keep their mobile telephones away from the desks and microphones.

I advise the witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a Member of either House, a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Members are reminded of the provisions in Standing Order 163 that the committee should also refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such policies. I welcome Dr. Ambrose McLoughlin, Secretary General, Department of Health and ask him to introduce his officials.