Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)

The purpose of the meeting is to consider the following Revised Estimate for 2025: Vote 38 - Department of Health, including the agencies funded by the Department. I welcome the Minister for Health, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, and the Ministers of State, Deputies Mary Butler, Kieran O'Donnell and Jennifer Murnane O'Connor. The Ministers are accompanied by officials from the Department. I thank the officials for providing a detailed briefing note relating to the Estimates. This is the first time some of the Ministers have been before the committee. I thank them for their engagement and look forward to working with them. It is safe to say that we have a shared ambition of improving health outcomes for everyone in Ireland. I look forward to working with them and the officials in achieving that aim.

Members 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, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements were circulated late yesterday evening. If possible, it would great if the Department could provide us with the documentation at an earlier point as it would enhance our engagement and our ability to consider it in advance. I invite the Minister to make her opening remarks.