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

Apologies have been received from Senator Frances Black. Before we get to the main item on today's agenda, the minutes of the committee meetings of 14 and 15 February 2023 have been circulated to members for consideration. Are they agreed? Agreed.

The purpose of today's meeting is for the joint committee to meet the National Ambulance Service and Dublin Fire Brigade to consider issues relating to the ambulance service, with a particular focus on recruitment and retention of personnel and response times. To commence the committee's consideration of the matter, I am pleased to welcome, from the National Ambulance Service, Mr. Robert Morton, director, Professor Cathal O'Donnell, clinical director, and Mr. William Merriman, general manager of HR operations. I am also pleased to welcome, from Dublin Fire Brigade, Mr. Dennis Keeley, chief fire officer, Mr. Richard Sheehan, senior executive communications officer, and Mr. Martin O'Reilly, district officer.

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. 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 the 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 also 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 members to participate where they are not adhering to the 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 participating via Microsoft Teams, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

To commence the meeting, I invite Mr. Robert Morton to make his opening remarks on behalf of the National Ambulance Service. The witnesses are all very welcome.