Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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At the outset may I remind members, witnesses and observers in the public Gallery of the importance of ensuring their mobile phones are switched off because it causes serious problems for broadcasting, editorial and sound recording staff? I ask members to co-operate with that request.

I am delighted to welcome everybody to the all-party Committee on the Future of Healthcare which is holding its first public stakeholder consultation meeting this morning. This committee was establish by a motion of the Dáil on 1 June in order to agree to an all-party ten year plan for the future of the health service; to identify a pathway towards a universal single tier health service and to achieve consensus on a new health care model based on need. The committee will report to the Dáil based on its examination of expert research, analysis of stakeholder submissions and evidence heard during its public hearings.

To date the committee has held four briefing sessions on a number of topics, including a factual overview of the role of the Department of Health and the organisational structures of the HSE, an overview of existing and ongoing research of relevance to the committee's terms of reference and a workshop session by Dr. Eddie Molloy on strategy design.

Last week the committee officially launched its public consultation exercise. There are more details about the public submission process on the committee's Oireachtas website. The closing date is 26 August and I would strongly encourage any interested stakeholders, patient groups, health care organisations, researchers and members of the public to make a submission to the committee using our web page.

I welcome representatives of the Health Reform Alliance to our meeting this morning.

The Health Reform Alliance is an umbrella group representing organisations that support patients and clients of health and social services. We are joined by MsCliona Loughnane, policy and research manager of the Irish Heart Foundation, Dr. Marita O'Brien, policy officer of Age Action and Mr. Paul Gordon, policy officer of the Irish Cancer Society.

I advise the witnesses that, 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. However, if 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 ruling of the Chair 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.

Ms Loughnane will lead off with an opening statement and Dr. O'Brien and Mr. Gordon will contribute to the questions and answers session with members.