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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Neasa Hourigan. Before we get to the main item on today's agenda, the minutes of the committee meetings of 15, 21 and 22 February 2023 have been circulated to members for approval. Are they agreed? Agreed.

The purpose of today's meeting is for the joint committee to consider issues relating to the implementation of Sláintecare reforms with representatives of the centre for health policy and management from the school of medicine, Trinity College Dublin. I am pleased to welcome Dr. Sara Burke, associate professor in health policy and management, Professor Steve Thomas, Edward Kennedy chair of health policy, and Dr. Bridget Johnston, research assistant professor.

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 and 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 or her identifiable. I remind members 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 members to participate when 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 participating via Microsoft Teams, prior to their contribution to the meeting, to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

To commence our discussion, I invite Dr. Sara Burke to make her opening remarks on behalf of the centre for health policy and management, Trinity College Dublin.