Joan Freeman (Independent)
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We are now in public session. I welcome Mr. Hugh Kane, chairman of the Department's oversight group for A Vision for Change, Dr. Fiona Keogh from NUI Galway, a member of the oversight group, and Mr. Tom O'Brien, from the mental health unit of the Department of Health. On behalf of the committee, I thank everyone for attending. The format of the meeting is that witnesses will be invited to make a brief opening statement and this will be followed by questions and answers.

Before we begin I draw the attention of witnesses to the position in respect of privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and 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 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.

Members should also 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 any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode as they cause havoc here. I also advise witnesses that any submission or opening statement they make to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. I invite Mr. Kane to make his opening statement.