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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Shortall. Before we get to the main item on today's agenda, minutes of the committee meetings on 27 and 28 June have been circulated to members for consideration. Are they agreed? Agreed.

The purpose of the meeting today is for the joint committee to consider the Irish Dental Association's recently released strategic workforce plan and related matters. To enable the committee to consider this matter, I am pleased to welcome from the Irish Dental Association, Mr. Fintan Hourihan, CEO; Dr. Eamon Croke, president; Dr. Caroline Robins, immediate past president; and Dr. Will Rymer, chair of the GP committee.

I will read a note on privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against a 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 they comply with any such direction.

Members are also 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 also remind members 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 members to participate where 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 taking part via MS Teams to confirm, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

To commence our consideration of the Irish Dental Association's strategic workforce plan, I now invite Mr. Fintan Hourihan to make his opening remarks on behalf the Irish Dental Association. He is welcome.