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

The purpose of today's meeting is to consider Further Revised Estimate for Vote 38 - Health. I welcome the Minister of Health and officials from the Department of Health to today's meeting. I also thank the Minister for the provision of a briefing note on the Revised Estimate.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 regarding 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 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 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 when he or she is not adhering to the constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. I ask that any member participating via MS Teams to confirm that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making their contribution to the meeting.

I know invite the Minister to make his opening statement.