Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputies Brady, Verona Murphy and James O'Connor. I welcome the witnesses. I remind all those in attendance to make sure their mobile phones are switched off or on silent mode.

Before we begin, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or of those who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to both the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. This means that the witnesses have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure it is not abused. Therefore, if the 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. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise, or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable, or otherwise to engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a 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 that they comply.

Members are reminded of the provisions within Standing Order 218 that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government, or a Minister of the Government, or the merits of the objectives of such policies. Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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.

The Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, is permanent witness to the committee and he is accompanied this morning by Ms Elena Moldovanu, audit manager at the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. It is Ms Moldovanu's first time attending a meeting of the committee. She is very welcome.

This morning, we will be engaging with representatives from Children's Health Ireland and the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board. We have Mr. Derek Tierney, assistant secretary general from the Department of Health, with us as well. We will examine the financial statements 2021 for Children's Health Ireland and the financial statements 2021 for the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board. The following areas have been flagged for particular interest: the independent review of the operating theatres in the new children's hospital; the timeline for the commencement of the commissioning period for the hospital; the level of claims and potential liability; updated budget and timelines for the completion of the new children's hospital; and the handover of the new children's hospital to Children's Health Ireland.

From Children's Health Ireland, we are joined by Ms Eilísh Hardiman, CEO, Mr. Stephen Flanagan, chief financial officer, and Ms Julia Lewis, transformation director. From the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board, we are joined by Mr. David Gunning, chief executive officer, Mr. Phelim Devine, project director, and Dr. Emma Curtis, medical director. As stated, Mr. Tierney from the Department is also with us. There is a big list of witnesses this morning. They are all very welcome.

To begin, I ,call on Mr. Seamus McCarthy, Comptroller and Auditor General, to make his opening statement.