Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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The purpose of today's meeting is for the committee to meet the Minister for Health to consider and discuss the ongoing acute challenge facing public hospitals, in particular pressure on emergency departments, shortage of bed capacity and the consequent overcrowding. To commence the meeting's consideration of this matter, I welcome the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, accompanied by officials from his Department. All those present in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against a person or entity either 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 witnesses comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against 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 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 members 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 any members participating via Microsoft Teams to confirm, prior to making their contributions, that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

I invite the Minister for Health to make his opening statement on the issue of challenges in emergency departments, bed capacity and overcrowding.