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

I would like to welcome our witnesses from Children's Health Ireland and from the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board. They will be presenting remotely to us this morning and will provide us with an update on the progress of the building of the new national children's hospital.

I welcome from the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board, Mr. David Gunning, chief officer, and Mr. Phelim Devine, project director and accounting officer. From Children's Health Ireland we have Ms Eilísh Hardiman, chief executive, and Dr. Ciara Martin, clinical director and consultant in paediatric emergency medicine.

Before we hear opening statements I wish to point out to the witnesses that there is uncertainty over whether parliamentary privilege will apply to evidence given from a location outside the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. Therefore, if you are directed by me to cease giving evidence on a particular matter you must respect that direction.

I call on Mr. Gunning to make some opening remarks. I believe the representatives are sharing the allotted five minutes. Please be conscious of the fact that we have ten minutes in each slot and this includes answers to questions as well.