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

Apologies have been received from Senator Frances Black. Today the committee meets Mr. Robert Watt, Secretary General of the Department of Health, and Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, to discuss the proposed appointment of the Chief Medical Officer to a role in Trinity College Dublin. They are both very welcome to our meeting this morning.

All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity 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 with regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

Mr. Robert Watt may now make his opening remarks.