Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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This is session 2 on the use of private hospitals. From the Department of Health, I welcome Mr. Jim Breslin, Secretary General, and Mr. Greg Dempsey, deputy secretary. They are appearing in committee room 1. From the HSE, I welcome Mr. Liam Woods, national director, acute operations, Ms Angela Fitzgerald, deputy national director, acute operations, and Dr. Vida Hamilton, national clinical adviser and group lead, acute operations.

I wish to 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 this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the provisions in Standing Order 186 that the committee should also refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such policies. While we expect witnesses to answer questions asked by the committee clearly and with candour, witnesses can and should expect to be treated fairly and with respect and consideration at all times, in accordance with the witness protocol.

I invite Mr Breslin to make his opening remarks.