Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Ciara Conway is running late and has sent her apologies.

We are meeting to consider the 2012 Supplementary Estimate for the Department of Health - Vote 39. I remind members to limit their remarks to the Supplementary Estimate as we are not dealing with the totality of the Estimates.

All mobile phones should be switched off.

I welcome the Minister for Health, Dr. James Reilly and his officials, Ms Bairbre NicAonghusa, Assistant Secretary and Mr. David Smith from the Department of Health. Mr. Liam Woods is from the HSE.

The Minister will make his opening remarks, after which the Opposition spokespersons will have the opportunity to respond. We will then have an open discussion. Is that agreed? Agreed.