Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)

The purpose of this meeting is to consider Committee Stage of the Health Information Bill 2024. The aim behind the Bill is to improve the use of health information, ensure that the right information is available in the right place and at the right time and ensure the best care of and treatment for patients. The Bill provides for a duty to share held information for patients' care and treatment, the establishment of digital health records for all patients in Ireland, greater access for patients to their health information, greater protections around health information for primary use and better health information for the HSE for patient-interest purposes. It also underpins Ireland's EU obligations. I welcome the Minister for Health, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who is accompanied by officials from her Department this morning.

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 may be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if members' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

A total of 74 amendments have been tabled, and the grouping list has been provided to members. We will consider each amendment in turn.