Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)

Apologies have been received by Deputy Seamus Healy and Senators Nikki Bradley and Maria Byrne. The purpose of today's meeting is the discussion on progressing the delivery of disability services. On behalf of the committee, I extend a warm welcome to Mr. Bernard Gloster, chief executive officer of the HSE; Ms Martina Queally, regional executive officer of the HSE, Dublin south west; Dr. Aoife O’Donohue, assistant national director, HSE disability services, transformation and programme co-ordination; Ms Mary Doran, assistant national director of HR, disabilities workforce and resourcing lead; and Ms Sinéad Stone, assistant chief financial officer, disability finance, national finance department.

Before we begin, I wish to read a note on privilege and some housekeeping matters. All 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 respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction that I may make.

I also remind members of the constitutional requirement that, in order to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. Therefore, as members of the committee are aware, if they are attending this meeting remotely via MS Teams, they must do so from within the precincts of the Leinster House complex.

I now call Mr. Bernard Gloster to make his opening statement.