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

I welcome Deputy Bríd Smith, who is substituting for Deputy Gino Kenny, and Senator Higgins, who is substituting for Senator Black. I welcome the witnesses from the Department of Health, who will provide an update on the new national maternity hospital. In light of recent developments, the Department has accommodated the request of the committee to also discuss certain aspects of the public health measures relating to indoor dining, but the main focus of the meeting is the new national maternity hospital.

I welcome the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly; from the Department of Health, Ms Tracey Conroy, assistant secretary, acute hospital policy division; Mr. Fergal Goodman, assistant secretary, health protection division; and Mr. Paul Ivory, assistant principal officer, acute hospital policy division; and from HBS Estates, Mr. Paul de Freine, chief architectural adviser.

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

I call on the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly, to make his opening statement. He has five minutes.