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

I welcome the witnesses from the HSE who will present to us virtually and provide us with an update on Covid-19-related public health issues, with particular reference to the arrangements for an extended vaccine roll-out and the operation of testing and tracing.

Maidin mhaith. Cuirim fáilte roimh gach duine go dtí an cruinniú sláinte. I welcome Mr. Paul Reid, chief executive officer, Dr. Colm Henry, chief clinical officer, Dr. Lorraine Doherty, national clinical director for health protection, Mr. Damien McCallion, national lead for Covid-19 vaccinations and Ms Niamh O'Beirne, national lead for testing and tracing.

Before we hear the opening statements, I point out to the witnesses that there is uncertainty as to whether parliamentary privilege applies to evidence given from a location outside the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. Therefore, if witnesses are directed by me to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter, they must respect that direction.

I call Mr. Reid to make his opening remarks and he has five minutes.