Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senator Seán Kyne. The minutes of the committee meetings of 23 and 24 April 2024 have been circulated to members for consideration. Are they agreed? Agreed.

Today's meeting is to again consider challenges facing the provision of dentistry services and related issues. The committee last met the Irish Dental Association in July of last year to discuss the dental workforce plan. To commence the committee's consideration of the matter on today's agenda, from the Irish Dental Association I am pleased to welcome: Mr. Fintan Hourihan, chief executive officer; Dr. Rory Boyd, president; Dr. Will Rymer, president-elect; and Dr. Caroline Robins, GP committee chair. From the Dental Council of Ireland I welcome: Dr. Gerry Cleary, president; Dr. Catherine Gallagher, vice president; Dr. David O’Flynn, registrar; and Mr. Paul Lyons, head of education.

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 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 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 remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside of the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member taking part via MS Teams that they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex prior to making a contribution.

I invite Mr. Hourihan to make his opening remarks.