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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Cathal Crowe and Senator Annie Hoey. Before we get to the main item on today’s agenda, minutes of the committee meetings of 11 and 12 July 2023 have been circulated to members for consideration. Are they agreed? Agreed.

The purpose of the meeting today is for the joint committee to receive an update on the implementation of Sláintecare reforms from representatives from the Department of Health and the HSE, with particular focus on manpower planning. The committee notes the publication of the organisational reform HSE Health Regions Implementation Plan in July.

Separately, I would like to point out to members that the committee will be meeting tomorrow with Children’s Health Ireland to consider the recently raised substantial issues relating to spinal surgery in Temple Street hospital.

I am pleased to welcome from the Department of Health Ms Rachel Kenna, chief nursing officer and Ms Breda Rafter, principal officer for workforce planning. I have been told that Mr. Robert Watt is on his way. I am also pleased to welcome from the HSE Mr. Bernard Gloster, CEO, Mr. Dean Sullivan, chief strategy officer, Dr. Colm Henry, chief clinical officer, Ms Anne Marie Hoey, national director, Mr. Liam Woods, national director, and Ms Sheila McGuinness, national lead on the waiting list action plan.

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 in relation to 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 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 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. Any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I will ask any member participating via MS Teams to confirm that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House complex before making a contribution.

We will commence our consideration of the current position regarding Sláintecare. I invite Mr. Gloster to make his opening remarks on behalf of the HSE.