Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)

We have not received any apologies.

I advise 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 allow 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 members partaking on MS Teams that, prior to making their contributions to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

The minutes of the meeting of 30 September and 1 October have been circulated. Are they agreed? Agreed.

Today, the committee will consider the organisation, operation and performance of the National Ambulance Service. To commence the committee's consideration, I welcome from the HSE, Mr. Pat Healy, the national director of services, and his colleagues.

As a note on privilege, members and 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 may be regarded as damaging the good name of a 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.

To commence our considerations of this matter, I invite Mr. Healy to make a short statement on behalf of the HSE. He has seven minutes.