Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Hourigan and Senator Hoey. The agenda is consideration of health services funding in 2024. The purpose of this meeting is for the joint committee to consider the adequacy of funding for health services in 2024 and the implications of the funding levels proposed for services and for the recruitment of personnel within the health service. The meeting will end no later than 1 p.m. and there will be a break at a time yet to be decided.

From the Department of Health, I am pleased to welcome Mr. Robert Watt, Secretary General, Mr. Kevin Colman, principal officer, and Ms Louise McGirr, assistant secretary. From the HSE, I am pleased to welcome Mr. Bernard Gloster, CEO, Dr. Colm Henry, chief clinical officer, and Ms Anne Marie Hoey, national director of human resources.

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. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory regarding 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 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. This is also important. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House campus 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 of the Leinster House campus will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask that any member participating via MS Teams to confirm that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making his or her contribution.

To commence our consideration of the funding of the health services in 2024, I invite Mr. Watt to make his opening statement on behalf of the Department of Health.