Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I remind everyone that mobile phones should be switched off or left in airplane mode as they interfere with the broadcasting of proceedings.

We have received apologies from the Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadkar. Owing to aviation connectivity issues, he has been unavoidably delayed. He hopes to be here, although he may not be able to make it. He will, however, endeavour to answer outstanding questions from members today or at a later date. It is important that we acknowledge this is a quarterly meeting which is set in stone and of which the Minister is conscious.

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch. I also welcome from the Department of Health Mr. Jim Breslin and Ms Tracey Conroy and from the HSE Mr. Tony O'Brien, director general; Ms Laverne McGuinness, Mr. Pat Healy, Mr. John Hennessy, Dr. Áine Carroll, Mr. Liam Woods and Ms Angela Fitzgerald. I thank them for coming.

In advance of the meeting members submitted written questions. It would be appreciated, therefore, if they asked questions, rather than make Second Stage speeches. The objective of the meeting is to allow an engagement between the committee and the HSE and the Department on key health care issues.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If, however, they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an 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 to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite the Minister of State to make her opening remarks.