Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Duncan Smith. This meeting is to discuss all aspects of road safety. On behalf of the committee, I am very pleased to welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Deputy Jack Chambers, and his officials from the Department.

I will read out 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 respect of 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 reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside of the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I 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 a member to participate where he or she is 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 member participating via MS Teams to confirm prior to contributing to the meeting that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I thank the Minister of State for attending and invite him to make his opening statement.