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

The purpose of today's meeting is a discussion with representatives of the Department of Health and the HSE on the implementation of Sláintecare reforms. To commence the committee's consideration of the matter, I am pleased to welcome Mr. Robert Watt, Secretary General; Mr. Derek Tierney, assistant secretary; Ms Rachel Kenna, chief nursing officer; and Ms Sarah Treleaven, principal officer, Department of Health; and Mr. Bernard Gloster, chief executive officer; Ms Anne Marie Hoey, national director, human resources; Dr. Colm Henry, chief clinical officer; Mr. Stephen Mulvany, chief financial officer; Mr. Fran Thompson, chief information officer; Mr. Liam Woods, national director, regional health area, RHA, implementation; and Ms Mary Day, national director, acute operations, Health Service Executive, HSE. 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 a person or entity either 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 respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that witnesses 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.

Members are also reminded of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate if he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts of Leinster House will be asked to leave the meeting. Members participating via Microsoft Teams are asked, prior to making their contribution, to confirm they are doing so from within the Leinster House complex.

I invite Mr. Watt to make his opening remarks on behalf of the Department of Health.