Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The agenda item for consideration at this session again is engagement regarding access to CAMHS for individuals with dual diagnosis. Mr. Bernard Gloster, chief executive of the HSE joins us in this session along with Dr. Amanda Burke, child and adolescent consultant psychiatrist and national clinical lead for child and youth mental health and Ms Mellany McLoone, chief officer, CHO Dublin north city and county, who are all very welcome to this meeting.

Obviously we had a lot of dealings with Mr. Gloster when he was CEO in Tusla and he has not been before this committee since his new role. We wish him the best of luck with everything in that role. Issues were raised in session one of the meeting to which Mr. Gloster may wish to refer, if he was listening in to that or through follow-up correspondence if that is more convenient.

Going to our own housekeeping matters, as we have a vote at committee, we have to finish at 20:30 so I have to ask people to be really brief with their questions. In regard to parliamentary privilege, in advance of inviting our witnesses to deliver their opening statements I want to advise them of the following in relation to parliamentary privilege. I remind witnesses and members 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 and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction. I now invite Mr. Gloster to deliver his opening statement.