Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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I welcome from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, INMO, Ms Martina Harkin-Kelly, president, Mr. Dave Hughes, deputy general secretary; and Mr. Edward Mathews, director of regulation and social policy.

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. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to 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 or 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 members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Ms Martina Harkin-Kelly to make her opening statement.