Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise to our witnesses for the delay in starting our proceedings. We are having some technical difficulties. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss issues concerning Aer Lingus's flight booking and check-in services and IT systems. We are joined by representatives of Aer Lingus, including Ms Lynne Embleton, CEO, Mr. Donal Moriarty, chief corporate affairs officer, Mr. Peter O'Neill, chief operations officer, and Ms Suzanne Carberry, chief customer officer.

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. If their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to any person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they 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. Members are also reminded 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. Reluctantly, I will not permit them to take part where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Given the technical difficulties we are having today, we have to ask committee members to attend this meeting in person today. I am sorry for any inconvenience caused. 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 MS Teams to confirm that they are on the grounds of Leinster House campus prior to making a contribution. Obviously that does not apply currently because MS Teams has been disabled to enable the meeting to proceed but if the remote system comes back, members must confirm that they are within the precincts of Leinster House. If attending in the committee room, members are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

As you can see Ms Embleton, we have had our own IT failures today but hopefully they are temporary in nature. In that spirit, I ask you to make your opening statement on behalf of Aer Lingus.