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

The purpose of the meeting today is for the joint committee to receive an update in relation to the progress being made in the development of the new national children's hospital, as well as expenditure issues and trends in relation to the development. The committee last considered this major project in the development of health services for children in October 2022. To enable the committee to consider this matter, I am pleased to welcome, from the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board, Mr. David Gunning, chief officer, Mr. Phelim Devine, project director, and Dr. Emma Curtis, medical director.

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 progress of the new national children's hospital, I invite Mr. David Gunning to make his opening remarks on behalf of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board. He is welcome.