Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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The purpose of today's meeting is to consider the serious issues that have come to light in recent times with spinal surgeries carried out on patients at Temple Street children's hospital in Dublin. To enable the committee to consider this issue further, I am pleased to welcome from Children's Health Ireland, CHI, Ms Eilísh Hardiman, chief executive, Dr. Allan Goldman, chief medical officer, Ms Paula Kelly, clinical director and Dr. Ike Okafor, clinical director.

I must give a note on privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 and 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 to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I will ask any member participating via MS Teams to confirm that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making a contribution.

To commence our consideration of spinal surgery in Temple Street, I invite Ms Hardiman to make her opening remarks on behalf of CHI. She is very welcome.