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

The committee will now resume its consideration of sepsis awareness, prevention and associated services. I am pleased to welcome from the HSE Dr. Colm Henry, chief clinical officer, Dr. Orla Healy, national clinical director for quality and patient safety, Dr. Michael O'Dwyer, national clinical lead for the sepsis programme, and Dr. Ciara Martin, national clinical adviser and group lead for children and young people.

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 or her 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 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 invite Dr. Henry to make his opening statement on behalf of the HSE.