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

Apologies have been received from Senator Annie Hoey. Before we get into the main item on today's agenda, minutes of the committee's meetings of 18 September 2024 have been circulated to members for consideration. Are they agreed? Agreed.

The purpose of today's meeting is for the joint committee to receive an update on the construction of the new national children's hospital from representatives of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board, NPHDB. It has been some time since the committee last had an engagement on this issue or visited the development. The committee is conscious of recent reports of further difficulties arising with the project.

To commence the committee's consideration of the matter, I am pleased to welcome from the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board, Mr. David Gunning, chief officer and Mr. Phelim Devine, project director.

In giving this note on privilege, I am conscious of the subject matter. 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 a witness's statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that any such direction is complied with.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to they 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 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 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 precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member participating via MS Teams that, prior to making their contribution, they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

To commence our consideration of the current position regarding an update on the construction of the new children's hospital, I invite Mr. David Gunning to make his opening remarks on behalf of the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board.