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

The meeting has been convened to consider the 2024 Supplementary Estimate for Vote 38 for the Department of Health, amounting to €1.749 billion for current expenditure and €5 million for capital expenditure. I welcome the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, and the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Colm Burke, who is a former member of the committee. The Minister of State is very welcome back. The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, is on her way. The Minister and Minister of State are accompanied by their officials, Ms Louise McGirr, assistant secretary, Mr. Patrick McGlynn and Mr. Daniel Curry, principal officers. I thank the officials for providing the briefing material on the Supplementary Estimate, which has been circulated to members.

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 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 when 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 will ask any member participating via Microsoft Teams, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, that they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I invite the Minister to make his opening remarks.