John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I advise witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a Member of either House, a person outside the Houses, or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Members are reminded of the provision within Standing Order 163 that the committee shall also refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government, or a Minister of the Government, or the merits of the objectives of such policy.

I welcome Mr. Tom O'Mahony, Secretary General of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and invite him to introduce his officials.