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

I am pleased to welcome from the Department of Health Mr. Robert Watt, Secretary General, Ms Louise McGirr, assistant secretary, Ms Siobhán McArdle, assistant secretary, and Ms Rachel Kenna, chief nursing officer; and from the HSE Mr. Damien McCallion, chief operations officer, Mr. Liam Woods, national director, organisational change unit, Ms Anne Marie Hoey, chief people officer, Dr. Siobhan Ní Bhriain, national clinical director integrated care, and Mr. Tony Canavan, regional executive officer, west and north west.

Mr. Canavan is joining the meeting remotely via Microsoft Teams.

Witnesses are remind 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 with regard 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 participating via Microsoft Teams that, prior to making a contribution to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

To commence our consideration of the current position regarding Sláintecare reforms, I invite Mr. Robert Watt to make his opening remarks on behalf of the Department.