Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)

This morning, we will engage with the Health Service Executive to discuss its 2024 financial statements. We are joined by the following representatives from the Health Service Executive: Mr. Bernard Gloster, chief executive officer and Accounting Officer; Ms Sara Long, regional executive officer, Dublin and north east; Mr. Stephen Mulvany, chief financial officer; Mr. Damien McCallion, chief technology and transformation officer and deputy CEO; and Dr. Philippa Ryan Withero, assistant national director, national human resources division. We are also joined by the following officials from the Department of Health: Ms Louise McGirr, assistant secretary, resources division; and Mr. Patrick McGlynn, principal officer from the central finance and accounts unit.

We have received apologies from our Chair, Deputy Brady, and from Deputies Connolly, Geoghegan and Kenny.

We are joined by officials from the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, including the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, who is a permanent witness to the committee, and Mr. John Byrne. audit manager at the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. They are all very welcome.

I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards reference witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected, pursuant to both the Constitution and statute, by absolute privilege. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Leas-Chathaoirleach to ensure it is not abused. Therefore, if witnesses' 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.

Witnesses are also 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.

I now call the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr. Seamus McCarthy, to make his opening statement.