Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As we have a quorum we will begin the meeting in public session. Apologies have been received from Deputy Gino Kenny. Are the draft minutes of the sub-committee meeting on 2 November 2021 agreed? Agreed.

I welcome to the meeting officials from the Mental Health Commission to discuss the mental health (amendment) Bill. I welcome Mr. John Farrelly, chief executive, Dr. Susan Finnerty, inspector of mental health services, Mr. Gary Kiernan, director of regulation, Ms Áine Flynn, director of the decision support service, and Ms Orla Keane, general counsel for the commission.

Members 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 to leave at least one vacant seat between themselves and others attending. They should also always maintain an appropriate level of social distance during and after the meeting. Masks, preferably of medical grade, should be worn at all times during the meeting except when speaking. I ask for members' full co-operation on this.

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 members they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I ask all members prior to making the contribution to the meeting to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. I now call on Mr Farrelly to make his opening remarks.