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

The purpose of the meeting today is for the joint committee to consider issues regarding cardiovascular health, stroke and heart attack with representatives from the Irish Heart Foundation and Croí. The meeting will maintain a particular focus on programmes, services and prevention of cardiovascular-related illnesses.

To enable the committee to consider this matter, I am pleased to welcome from the Irish Heart Foundation Mr. Chris Macey, director of advocacy and patient support, Ms Kathryn Reilly, policy and legislative affairs manager, and Ms Esther O'Shea, patient champion; and from Croí Mr. Mark O'Donnell, chief operations officer, and Dr. Lisa Hynes, head of health programmes.

We read out a short note on privilege at every meeting. 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 respect of 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 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 that regard, I ask any member partaking via Microsoft Teams that, prior to making their contributions to the meeting, they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

To commence our consideration of cardiovascular-related issues, I now invite Mr. Macey to make his opening remarks on behalf of the Irish Heart Foundation.