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

This meeting has been convened to consider the 2023 Supplementary Estimate for Vote 38 – Department of Health. Apologies have been received from Deputy Burke at the last minute.

I welcome the Minister, Deputy Donnelly; the Minister of State, Deputy Butler; and their officials to the meeting to consider the Supplementary Estimate. I also thank them for providing a briefing note related to the Estimate.

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 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 members must be physically present in the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member 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 member partaking via MS Teams to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making their contribution to the meeting.

To commence our consideration of the Supplementary Estimate, I invite the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, to make his opening remarks.