Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
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The meeting today is to consider standards of care and related practices, and oversight of these matters, in nursing homes. From the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, I welcome Ms Angela Fitzgerald, chief executive, Mr. Finbarr Colfer, chief inspector of social services, and Ms Susan Cliffe, deputy chief inspector.

Witnesses are 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 might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that witnesses comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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 understand all members are attending the meeting in person.

The format for the meeting is that we will have an opening statement from the HIQA CEO, after which each member will have an opportunity to ask questions or make a statement. Time will be limited to five minutes per member and we will go on rotation, as agreed. I ask members to confine themselves to the five minutes allocated because time will be tight.

We would all agree that the recent "RTÉ Investigates" programme was very difficult and disturbing viewing. I hope we can shed some light today on what happened, why it came about, what needs to change and the steps we need to take.

I invite Ms Fitzgerald to make her opening remarks on behalf of HIQA.