George Lawlor (Wexford, Labour)
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Apologies have been received from Deputy Ellis and Senator Rabbitte.

This meeting is to discuss the report on Traveller health. We are joined by the Deputy Mary Butler, the Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for mental health, accompanied by her official, Ms Audrey Ní Chaoindealbháin, principal officer; and Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for public health and well-being and the national drugs strategy, who is accompanied by her officials, Mr. Jim Walsh, principal officer, and Ms Karen O'Connor, assistant principal officer. Also joining us, from the Health Service Executive, are: Ms Aisling Heffernan, integrated healthcare area manager, Dublin south and Wicklow, and Mr. Tony McCusker, general manager, access and integration mental health services, accompanied by their adviser, Ms Michelle Kearns, Traveller health project manager, national Traveller health unit. You are all very welcome along to this meeting today. I ask anyone attending remotely to mute their microphone when not contributing so that we do not pick up any background noise or feedback. As usual, I remind all those in attendance to ensure that their mobile phones are switched to silent or switched off.

As the witnesses are within the precincts of Leinster House, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. This means that they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure that it is not abused. Therefore, if their 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.

Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity outside of the Houses, or an official of the Houses, either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I wish to make members aware that both Ministers of State need to leave the meeting earlier than scheduled today, at approximately 2.30 p.m., as there is conflicting Government business that requires cover on behalf of the Minister for Health.

I invite the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, to make her opening statement. She will be followed by the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O'Connor, and by Ms Heffernan on behalf of the Health Service Executive. We will then proceed with a question-and-answer session.