Dr. Ambrose McLoughlin:

I thank the Chairman for the invitation. I am accompanied by Mr. John O'Connell, assistant secretary, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Mr. David Smith, principal officer, and Ms Bairbre Nic Aongusa, Department of Health; and Mr. Tony O'Brien, deputy chief executive officer, Ms Laverne McGuinness, Mr. Liam Woods and Dr. Philip Crowley, Health Service Executive.