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

I welcome our witnesses. They will present their concerns on the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on cancer services. I welcome: Ms Averil Power, CEO, and Ms Rachel Morrogh, director of advocacy, from the Irish Cancer Society; Dr. Clive Kilgallen, chair of the consultant committee and Dr. Denis McCauley, chair of the GP committee at the Irish Medical Organisation, IMO; and Dr. Gabrielle Colleran, vice president and Professor Robert Landers, vice president, at the Irish Hospital Consultants Association, IHCA.

Before we hear the witnesses' opening statements I must point out that there is uncertainty as to whether parliamentary privilege will apply to their evidence if it is given from locations outside the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. If, therefore, they are directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter, they must respect to that direction.

I call on Ms Power to make her opening remarks. She is very welcome.