Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Cathal Crowe. First, before we get to the main item on today's agenda, are the minutes of the committee meeting of 22 May 2024, which have been circulated to members for consideration, agreed? Agreed.

Today, the joint committee will first meet with the chair designate of the Health Service Executive, Mr. Ciarán Devane, in relation to his proposed reappointment as chairperson of the HSE. The proposed reappointment of Mr. Devane as chairperson is for a three-year term from 28 June 2024 to 27 June 2027. The committee will focus on the strategic priorities of the role. Later, we will meet with the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres and Services to consider the challenges facing community based cancer support services in the context of the national cancer strategy.

I am pleased to welcome Mr. Ciarán Devane, chairperson of the HSE. I will read a short 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 such a way as to make him or 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.

In relation to attendance by members, I would like to remind them of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. It is not permitted for a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Any member who attempts to participate from outside the precinct will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member partaking via MS teams that prior to making their contribution to the meeting they confirm they are on the Leinster House campus.

To commence our consideration of this matter, I now invite Mr. Devane to make his opening remarks.