Michael Harty (Clare, Independent)
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We are now in public session. This morning's meeting is a quarterly review of the health service with the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, his officials along with the chief executive officer of the HSE and his staff regarding the current state of our health service. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the Minister and Mr. Jim Breslin, Secretary General of the Department of Health. I understand that a number of junior Ministers will attend later this morning. We will welcome them as they arrive. I also welcome Mr. Paul Reid, chief executive officer of the HSE, Ms Anne O'Connor, chief operations officer, Mr. Liam Woods, national director, acute operations, and Dr. Colm Henry, chief clinical officer.

I would like to draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they 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. 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 advise witnesses that any opening statements they make may be published on the committee's website after the 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 Houses 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.