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

The purpose of today's meeting for the joint committee to discuss the current status of the new national children's hospital. I am pleased to welcome from the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board: Mr. David Gunning, chief officer; Mr. Phelim Devine, project director; and Dr. Emma Curtis, medical director. I also welcome from the Department of Health: Mr. Derek Tierney, assistant secretary in the health infrastructure division; and Mr. Eamonn Quinn, principal officer for major capital works. I also welcome from the HSE: Mr. Martin McKeith, assistant lead director of the children’s hospital project and programme.

All those in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

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 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 Microsoft Teams that, prior to making their contributions, they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I now invite Mr. Gunning to make his opening remarks on behalf of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board.