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

The purpose of the meeting today is for the joint committee to consider the HSE National Service Plan 2023. To assist the committee in this matter I am pleased to welcome, from the HSE, Mr. Bernard Gloster, CEO; Mr. Damien McCallion, chief operations officer; Dr. Colm Henry, chief clinical officer; and Ms Mairéad Dolan, assistant chief financial officer.

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.

If witnesses' 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 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 a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. I ask any member who is participating via Microsoft Teams to confirm that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House complex prior to making a contribution to the meeting.

As we commence our consideration of the HSE's 2023 National Service Plan, I now invite Mr. Bernard Gloster to make his opening remarks on behalf of the HSE.