Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome everyone. Apologies have been received from Deputy Ward and Senator Hoey. Unfortunately, there has been a clash of meetings.

We are meeting the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health and older people, Deputy Butler, to provide the sub-committee with an update on the provision of mental health services and how they have been impacted by the pandemic.

I remind members that we will engage with officials from the HSE on Tuesday, 21 September to discuss the closure of the Owenacurra centre.

I welcome the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health and older people, Deputy Mary Butler, and her officials. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against either a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind them that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I ask all members prior to making their contributions to the meeting to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. I call on the Minister of State to make her opening remarks.