Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senator Annie Hoey. We hope Senator Dolan will join us at some point. Before we commence, I have one piece of housekeeping to deal with. Are the draft minutes of the joint committee meetings of 14 and 21 September 2021 agreed? Agreed.

This morning we will meet with representatives of Samaritans Ireland, who will provide us with an update on access and continuity of treatment for those in need of mental health services and the impact of Covid-19 on demand and delivery of services. I welcome the witnesses from Samaritans Ireland to today's meeting: Mr. Niall Mulligan, executive director, Ms Sarah Stack, communication and policy manager, and Mr. Rory Fitzgerald, volunteer and regional director in the Republic of Ireland.

Members and all in attendance are asked to exercise personal responsibility in protecting themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. They are strongly advised to practise good hand hygiene and have at least one vacant seat between them and others attending. They should also always maintain an appropriate level of social distancing during and after the meeting. Masks, preferably of a medical grade, should be worn at all times.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against 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 members 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 contribution to the meeting to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I invite Mr. Mulligan to make his opening remarks.