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

The purpose of this meeting is for the committee to receive an update from representatives of the Department of Health and the HSE on the implementation of Sláintecare reforms. There will be a particular focus on elective hospitals, individual health identifiers and matters relating to the recruitment of consultants.

I am pleased to welcome, from the Department of Health, Mr. Muiris O'Connor, assistant secretary, research and development and health analytics; Mr. Bob Patterson, principal officer, elective hospitals policy; Mr. Niall Sinnott, principal officer, ehealth and health information systems; and Ms Sarah O'Hanlon, assistant principal officer, industrial relations. I also welcome, from the HSE, Mr. Liam Woods, national director, regional health area implementation lead; Mr. Damien McCallion, chief operations officer; Ms Anne Marie Hoey - no relation to Senator Hoey - national director of human resources; and Mr. Fran Thompson, chief information officer. While the Secretary General of the Department of Health was due to attend, he is unable to do so due to illness. I wish him well in his recovery.

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 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 also remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex 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 will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any members partaking via MS Teams that prior to making their contribution to the meeting they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

To commence our consideration of the current position regarding Sláintecare, I invite Mr. O'Connor to make his remarks on behalf of the Department.