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

I welcome Ms Eilísh Hardiman, chief executive, and Ms Paula Kelly, consultant paediatric orthopaedic surgeon, from Children's Health Ireland, CHI. From the HSE, I welcome Mr. Liam Woods, national director, acute operations, and Ms Helen Byrne, assistant director, acute operations.

Witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I call Ms Hardiman to make her opening remarks on behalf of Children's Health Ireland and the HSE.