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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Shortall. The meeting has been convened to consider Committee Stage of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024. The primary aims of the Bill are, first, to provide for rent-a-room income of up to €14,000 per annum to be disregarded from the medical card and GP visit card income assessment process; second, to amend current legislation to clarify regulatory powers concerning the supply and administration of medicinal products; and third, to provide for the making of regulations to help to deal with shortages of medicines. This will include a framework for therapeutic substitution by pharmacists in line with a clinically approved protocol, that is, the supply of a specific therapeutic alternative medicinal product in limited circumstances, where there is a shortage of the prescribed medicines.

On privilege, 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 also remind members that they are only allowed to participate in a meeting if they are physically located on the grounds of the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I ask all members that, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the campus. I also remind all members that should a division be called, they must physically come to the committee room to vote.

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Mary Butler, to the meeting. I also welcome her officials, who we may invite to clarify specific issues that may arise. I understand the Minister of State is to give an opening statement.