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

In the second session today, we will engage with service providers. I welcome the second group of witnesses to our meeting.

From the HSE National Ambulance Service, I welcome Dr. Cathal O'Donnell, medical director; Ms Emily Mahon, human resources manager; Mr. Liam Woods, national director, acute operations; and Mr. Robert Morton, interim director. From Dublin Fire Brigade, I welcome Mr. Dennis Keeley, chief fire officer; Mr. Martin O'Reilly, district officer; and Ms Una Joyce, senior executive officer.

Before we hear the opening statements, I will point out to our witnesses that there is uncertainty whether parliamentary privilege will apply to their evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts of Leinster House. Therefore, if they are directed by me to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter, they must respect that direction. I invite Mr. Woods to make his opening remarks.