Chairman:

We are now in public session. I would like to welcome from the Psychiatric Nurses Association Mr. Peter Hughes, general secretary, Mr. Niall O’Sullivan, national vice chairperson, Ms Caroline Brilly, industrial relations officer, and Ms Aisling Culhane, research and development adviser. On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank them for their attendance today. The format of the meeting is that they will be invited to make a brief opening statement which will be followed by a question and answer session with the members who will have seven minutes each.

Before we begin, I draw witnesses' attention to the situation in relation to privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to 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, or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members should be aware that under the salient rulings of the Chair, they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or an official by name, or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her or it identifiable.

I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode. Mobile telephones interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for parliamentary reporters to report the meeting and television coverage and web streaming will be adversely affected.

I wish to advise witnesses that any submission or opening statement made to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. I invite Mr. Peter Hughes to make his opening statement.