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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Colm Burke and Senator Frances Black. Before we get into the main item on today’s agenda, minutes of the committee meetings of 21 June 2022; 12 and 13 July 2022; and 16 September 2022 are being circulated by members for consideration. Are they agreed? Agreed.

The purpose of today’s meeting is for the joint committee to consider the serious issues raised in a recent HIQA report in relation to the emergency department at University Hospital Limerick, UHL. This meeting was originally scheduled to take place before the summer recess. To enable the committee to consider the matter, I am pleased to welcome, from the HSE and UHL, Ms Mary Day, national director, acute operations; Dr. Mike O’Connor, national clinical advisor, acute operations; Professor Colette Cowan, chief executive officer, UL Hospitals Group; Professor Brian Lenehan, chief clinical director, UL Hospitals Group; and Ms Maria Bridgeman, chief officer, Mid West Community Healthcare. They are all very welcome to our meeting.

I will read a note on privilege. 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 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 directions. Members again 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 of the Oireachtas or an official either by name or in a such a way as to him or her identifiable.

I would like to invite Professor Cowan to make her opening remarks on behalf of the HSE.