Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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This is a quarterly meeting with the Minister for Health and the director general of the HSE. The purpose of this afternoon's meeting is to allow the Minister and his officials, and the director general and his staff, to update the committee members on key health care issues. On behalf of the committee I welcome the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, who is accompanied by Ministers of State, Deputies Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, Finian McGrath and Catherine Byrne. I also welcome the director general of the HSE, Mr. Tony O'Brien, who is accompanied by Mr. Liam Woods, Ms Rosarii Mannion and Mr. Jim Breslin. If I have left anyone out, please excuse me. I thank Ms Pamela Carter of the Department and Mr. Ray Mitchell of the HSE for their assistance regarding the questions submitted by members.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact 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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, 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 any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise witnesses that any submission or opening statements they have made to the committee may be published on the committee's website after this meeting. 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask the Minister to make his opening statement.