Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)

We have apologies this morning from Senator Nicole Ryan.

With regard to presence in Leinster House, 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 permit a member to participate when 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 Teams that, prior to making a contribution to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

The minutes of the meetings of 21 October and 22 October have been circulated. Are they agreed? Agreed.

This morning, we are looking at the issue of long-term planning within the health services. It is quite a timely session. We have a lot of discussion in recent days around Ireland in 2065 and the growth in population, aiming at between 5.9 million to 7.9 million, and coming with that demographic shifts, including an increased older population. No doubt, this is a good news story but it has challenges and it is important today that we consider those challenges for the health services and how we plan for those changes, particularly around the acceleration of Sláintecare, shifting care away from hospitals to the community, meeting that future need and getting that planning right. In particular, I refer to tackling some of the historic deficits in infrastructure, the construction of modern health facilities and the digital transformation, which will be key. For health services to meet the needs of future generations and uphold rights and dignity, we need that strategic planning for the longer term. These are entirely predictable but they cannot be ignored. We will hopefully tease through many of those longer-term projects and changes in this morning's session.

To commence the committee's consideration this morning, I welcome representatives from the Department of Health. We have Mr. Derek Tierney, assistant secretary; Ms Rachel Kenna, assistant secretary; Mr. Muiris O'Connor, assistant secretary; Ms Siobhán McArdle, assistant secretary; and Mr. Chris Ryan, principal officer. From the HSE, we have Mr. Bernard Gloster, chief executive; Ms Kate Killeen White, regional executive officer for Dublin and the midlands; Dr. Colm Henry, chief clinical officer; Mr. Patrick Lynch, national director of planning and performance; and Mr. Brian O'Connell, national director and head of strategic health infrastructure and capital delivery. They are all very welcome this morning.

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 to 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.

I invite Mr. Derek Tierney to make the opening remarks on behalf of the Department of Health.