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

Apologies have been received from Senators Kyne and Black. This purpose of this meeting is for the joint committee to consider issues relating to University Hospital Limerick, UHL, in the context of the mid-west region with the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly. This meeting takes place following the recent publication of a report relating to the hospital. To commence the meeting's consideration of this matter, I am pleased to welcome the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, who is accompanied by Ms Rachel Kenna, chief nursing officer; Ms Siobhán McArdle and Ms Tracey Conroy, assistant secretaries in the Department of Health; and Ms Sandra Broderick, HSE mid-west regional executive officer.

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 also remind members of the constitutional requirement that members 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 they are 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 member participating via MS Teams that prior to making their contribution, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

To commence our consideration of issues relating to University Hospital Limerick in the context of the mid-west region, I invite the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, to make his opening remarks.