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

The committee will resume its consideration of the delivery of health services for patients with long Covid. I am pleased to welcome from the Health Service Executive: Dr. Siobhán Ní Bhriain, national clinical director, integrated care, who is the delegation lead; Dr. Ciaran Bannan, consultant in infectious diseases; Dr. Brian Kent, consultant respiratory physician; Ms Catherine Clarke, assistant national director, acute operations; and Dr. Grant Jeffrey, director, workplace health and well-being unit.

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 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 directive.

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 invite Dr. Ní Bhriain to make her opening remarks on behalf of the HSE.