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

The purpose of today's meeting is to consider the delivery of health services for patients with long Covid. The committee last considered this matter at the end of 2022. Today's meeting will be divided into two sessions. We will first hear from representatives from Long Covid Advocacy Ireland and we will then hear from the HSE.

Before I invite our witnesses in, I wish to inform members that an updated statement has been issued by the HSE in respect of the extension of the long Covid scheme for healthcare workers.

I would have to agree with the Fórsa statement that the temporary extension announced today provides a much-needed breathing space for conciliation and will provide some peace of mind for health workers. The question of those who are not health workers and the challenges they are facing is a matter that needs to be addressed by the Government.

To commence the committee's consideration of the matter of long Covid, I am pleased to welcome from Long Covid Advocacy Ireland, Ms Sarah O'Connell, Ms Julie Corey and Ms Imelda O'Donovan, and Ms Pamela Morrison who is joining the meeting remotely via MS Teams.

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 any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make her, him or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name 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 directives. 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 would also like to point out that the identity of any person affected by long Covid should not be directly or indirectly revealed.

I would like to remind members of the constitutional requirement that members 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 they are not adhering to the constitutional requirement. Therefore any member who attempts to participate from outside the precinct will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member partaking via MS Teams, prior to making their contribution, that they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

The opening statement provided by Long Covid Ireland is too lengthy to present in its entirety at the meeting, but I invite Ms O'Connell to make her opening remarks for seven to eight minutes before the discussion. I have been informed that some members may have to leave due to other business, but there will be a flow of people coming in and out of the meeting. Senator Black has said she has other business this morning and asked if one of the members would let her in to speak earlier. Deputy Gino Kenny also has another appointment, so he may have to leave. I am sure that will be the case with other members.

I welcome all the witnesses this morning and I call Ms O'Connell.