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

Before we get to the main item on today's agenda, minutes of the committee meetings on 20 and 21 September 2022 have been circulated to members for their consideration. Are they agreed? Agreed.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the implementation of Sláintecare, with a focus on workforce planning. To enable to the committee to consider this matter, I am pleased to welcome Mr. Robert Watt, Secretary General; Ms Rachel Kenna, chief nursing officer; Ms Margaret Campbell and Mr. Bob Patterson, principal officers; and Ms Grace O'Regan, assistant principal officer, Department of Health. I am also pleased to welcome Mr. Paul Reid, chief executive officer; Mr. Damien McCallion, chief operations officer; Ms Anne Marie Hoey, national director, human resources; and Ms Yvonne Goff, national director, change and innovation.

Members and all in attendance are asked to exercise personal responsibility in respect of protecting themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

All witnesses are again 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 any of 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.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against persons outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask members partaking via MS Teams that, prior to making their contributions, they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

I invite Mr. Watt to make his opening remarks.