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

The purpose of today's meeting is for the joint committee to consider the matter of services for the treatment of cancer, in particular waiting lists for such treatment. The committee will be joined separately by representatives from the Irish Cancer Society and the HSE. For the first part of the meeting, I welcome Ms Averil Power, chief executive officer of the Irish Cancer Society, and Ms Rachel Morrogh, director of advocacy for the Irish Cancer Society.

All those present 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 judgments 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, witnesses will be directed to discontinue such remarks. Compliance with any such direction is imperative.

Members are also 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 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 requirements that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. I will not permit any member to participate if 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. I ask members using MS Teams that, prior to making their contributions, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. To commence our discussions, I invite Ms Averil Power to make her opening remarks on behalf of the Irish Cancer Society.