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

The purpose of the meeting today is for the Joint Committee on Health to meet with the Department of Health to discuss issues relating to nursing home charges. To commence the committee's consideration of this matter, I am pleased to welcome from the Department of Health Mr. Robert Watt, Secretary General; Ms Siobhán McArdle, assistant secretary, social care, mental health and drugs policy; Ms Laura Casey, older persons' policy unit; and Ms Audrey Hagerty, social care integration unit-disabilities services.

All those present in the committee room are asked to exercise their personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. In relation to 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 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 a person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that members 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 would ask any member participating via Microsoft Teams that prior to making their contribution to the meeting, they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

To commence our discussion, I now invite Mr. Robert Watt to make his opening remarks on behalf of the Department of Health.