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

The purpose of today's meeting is for the joint committee to consider staffing levels in the HSE, specifically on the back of a letter received from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. I am pleased to welcome from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation Ms Phil Ní Sheaghdha, general secretary, Ms Caroline Gourley, president, and Mr. Neill Dunne, INMO member.

I am pleased to welcome from SIPTU Mr. Damian Ginley, sector organiser, health division, Ms Aideen Carberry, communications officer, Mr. John McCamley, sector organiser, and Ms Deborah Kelleher, radiation therapist.

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 witnesses' 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 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 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 members participating via MS Teams that, prior to making their contribution, they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I ask members to keep to a seven minute slot because we have gone over time and there will not be enough time for a longer slot. If I can let members contribute again, I will do so.

I invite Ms Ní Sheaghdha to make her opening remarks on behalf of the INMO. She is welcome.