Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the first part of this morning's meeting is to meet with the chairperson designate of the National Roads Authority, NRA, and the Railway Procurement Agency, RPA, Mr. Cormac O'Rourke, in order to discuss the approach he will take in his new role and his views on the challenges facing the two bodies. Members will be aware of the Government decision of May 2011 which put new arrangements in place for the appointment of persons to State boards and bodies. The committee welcomes the opportunity to meet with the chairperson designate in public session to hear his views and we trust it will provide greater transparency to the process of appointing people to State boards and bodies. On behalf of the committee I welcome Mr. O'Rourke.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give this committee. If a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and the witness continues to so do, the witness is entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of his or her evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise Mr. O'Rourke that the opening statement he has submitted will be published on the committee's website after the meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite Mr. O'Rourke to make his opening statement.