Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Apologies have been received from Senators Kyne and Conway. Before we get to the main item on today's agenda, minutes of the committee's meetings of 30 May and 31 May have been circulated to members for consideration. Are they agreed? Agreed.

The purpose of today's meeting is for the joint committee to meet with representatives of the Department of Health and the HSE to receive an update on the implementation of Sláintecare reforms. To commence the committee's consideration of the matter, I am pleased to welcome from the Department of Health Mr. Robert Watt, Secretary General; Ms Rachel Kenna, chief nursing officer and lead on workforce planning; Mr. Muiris O'Connor, assistant secretary; Ms Louise McGirr, assistant secretary; and Mr. Niall Redmond, assistant secretary. I am also pleased to welcome from the HSE Mr. Bernard Gloster, CEO; Ms Anne Marie Hoey, national director of HR; Ms Mary Day, national director of acute operations; Mr. Pat Healy, national director of clinical programme implementation and professional development; and Mr. Shaun Flanagan, assistant director, primary care reimbursement service, PCRS.

I will read a note on privilege. 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 might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the 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.

Members are also 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 also 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 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 any members taking part via MS Teams to confirm, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

To commence our discussions, I invite Mr. Watt to make his opening remarks on behalf of the Department of Health. He is very welcome.