Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Representatives from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Irish Coast Guard will brief the committee on the future of the Irish Coast Guard in light of the value for money review conducted by Fisher Associates.

I welcome Mr. Maurice Mullen, assistant secretary at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr. Chris Reynolds, Mr. Eugene Clonan and Mr. Gerry Smullen of the Irish Coast Guard. I do not propose to detail the rights of witnesses under the Defamation Act as I am sure they have heard it already today, however Members and witnesses 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Due to a family bereavement this morning, the Chairman is unable to be present. The Vice Chairman was unavailable and I have been asked by the committee to chair the meeting. Let me notify members, witnesses and those in the Visitors Gallery that we must vacate the room by 1.45 p.m. I want witnesses and members to be cognisant of the time and that the meeting must end by 1.45 p.m.