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

Before we get to the main item on today's agenda, the minutes of the committee meetings of 14 and 15 May 2024 have been circulated to members for consideration. Are they agreed? Agreed.

The purpose of today's meeting is for the joint committee to consider issues relating to the employment of consultants and non-consultant hospital doctors in public hospitals with representative from the Irish Medical Organisation, IMO. I am pleased to welcome Ms Susan Clyne, chief executive officer, Professor Matthew Sadlier, chair of the IMO consultant committee, Dr. Rachel McNamara, chair of the IMO non-consultant hospital doctors, NCHD, committee, Dr. Peadar Gilligan, IMO consultant committee, and Ms Vanessa Hetherington, assistant director.

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 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 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 of the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask members participating via MS Teams to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making a contribution.

To commence our consideration of the issues relating to the employment of consultants and non-consultant hospital doctors in public hospitals, I invite Ms Clyne to make her opening remarks on behalf of the Irish Medical Organisation.