Frances Black (Independent)
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I welcome the officials from the Department of Health, who will brief the committee on the Bill. I welcome Mr. Seamus Hempenstall, principal officer, Ms Lorraine Doyle, higher executive officer, and Mr. James Kelly, assistant principal. Members and all in attendance are asked to exercise personal responsibility in protecting themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. They are strongly advised to practise good hand hygiene and to leave at least one vacant seat between themselves and others in attendance. They should always maintain an appropriate level of social distance during and after the meeting. Masks, preferably of medical grade, should be worn at all times during the meeting except when speaking. I ask for everyone's full co-operation in this regard.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise nor make charges against either a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members that they are allowed to participate in this meeting only if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I ask all members to confirm, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I invite Mr. Hempenstall to make his opening remarks.