Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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The next item on the order of business is our engagement with representatives of the Mid-West Hospital Campaign group to discuss public petition No. P00036/22, entitled Reopen Ennis, Nenagh and St. John's Emergency Departments.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards reference witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to both the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. They are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that 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, or otherwise engage in speech that may be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Before we hear from our witnesses, I propose we publish the opening statements on the committee’s website. Is that agreed? Agreed.

On behalf of the committee, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the members of the Midwest Hospital Campaign: Ms Noeleen Moran, petitioner and campaigner; Ms Marie McMahon, campaigner; Ms Hilary Tonge, campaigner; and Ms Tricia Delaney, campaigner. I suggest that our witnesses should make their opening statements for around five minutes. When all the witnesses have made their opening statements, we will then have questions and comments from members. Each member will have around five minutes. Members may speak more than once. I now call on Ms Moran to make her opening statement.