Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the meeting today is to discuss bus services in Dublin and the surrounding counties of Wicklow, Meath and Kildare. On behalf of the committee, I am very pleased to welcome representatives from the National Transport Authority, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland. From the National Transport Authority, I welcome Ms Anne Graham, chief executive officer, and Mr. Jeremy Ryan, director of public transport services. From Bus Éireann, I welcome Mr. Stephen Kent, chief executive officer, and Mr. Allen Parker, chief customer officer. From Dublin Bus, I welcome Mr. Billy Hann, chief executive officer, Mr. Gareth Quinn, chief operations planning manager, and Mr. Phil Donohue, head of HR and development. From Go-Ahead Ireland, I welcome Ms Dervla McKay, managing director, Ms Niamh Swords, operations director, and Mr. James Caffrey, director of finance.

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 witnesses' 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 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 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 the public meetings. I will not permit participation by members who are 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 ask any members participating via MS Teams that, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I invite Ms Graham to make her opening statement.