I remind members and witnesses to please turn off their phones and, when they address the meeting, to do so without their face covering, as it makes for a better recording of the meeting. Apologies have been received from Deputy Doherty and Senator Casey.
I welcome Mr. Mark Fraser to the meeting. We will engage with the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach on the issue of the recent salary increase of the Secretary General of the Department of Health.
I remind members of the notice of privilege with respect to the long-standing practice to the effect that members 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, her or it identifiable. Members are covered by privilege when in this House or in the Convention Centre Dublin but if they are attending remotely they may have only limited privilege. I invite Mr. Fraser to make his opening remarks.