Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of today's meeting is for the sub-committee to consider the Mental Health Commission's interim report on the review of provision of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, CAMHS. To enable the committee to consider this matter, I am pleased to welcome, from the HSE, Mr. Damien McCallion, chief operations officer; Mr. Jim Ryan, head of mental health operations, Dr. Amir Niazi, national clinical adviser and group lead mental health; Dr. Amanda Burke, executive clinical director for mental health services, CHO west.

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

I will read the 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 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 any such direction be complied with. Members 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 or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members are also reminded 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 any members partaking via MS Teams to confirm that they are on the grounds of Leinster House campus prior to making a contribution to the meeting.

To commence our discussion, I invite Mr. Damien McCallion to make opening remarks on behalf of the HSE.