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

The purpose of this meeting is to consider the HSE's winter plan for 2022-2023. To enable the committee to consider this matter further, I am pleased to welcome from the Health Service Executive Mr. Stephen Mulvany, chief executive officer; Mr. Damien McCallion, chief operations officer; Dr. Mike O'Connor, national clinical adviser, acute operations; Ms Mary Day, national director, acute operations; and Ms Yvonne O'Neill, national director, community operations.

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

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 in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

Members are also 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 also remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex 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 they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I invite Mr. Mulvany to make his opening remarks.