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

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to meet representatives of the Tiománaí Tacsaí na hÉireann, or TTnH, on the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Bill 2012, which is currently before the Seanad. I welcome Mr. David McGuinness and Mr. Alan Brennan, the chairman and secretary, respectively, of the TTnH. I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009 they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter but 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 the proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him\her or it identifiable. The opening statement the witnesses submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website after the meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Before I invite the witnesses to make their presentation, I thank members for attending. It is an extra, special meeting requested on behalf of taxi drivers and it is very important. I ask members to simply ask questions during the question and answer session rather than making speeches. We need to get out of here by a certain time and we need to allow the taxi drivers' representatives to make their case. I ask Mr. David McGuinness to make his opening statement.