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

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to meet with the chairman designate of An Post, Christoph Mueller, to discuss the approach he will take in his proposed new role and his views on the challenges facing An Post.

Members are aware of the Government's decision in May 2011 to put in place new arrangements for the appointment of persons to State boards and bodies. The committee welcomes the opportunity to meet with chairpersons designate in public session to hear their views and we trust this provides greater transparency to the process of appointments to State boards and bodies. On behalf of the committee I welcome Mr. Mueller here this morning. An Post and post offices in particular are matters of great interest to the members of this committee and we are most anxious to ensure their survival. Mr. Mueller may be aware that this committee recently completed a report entitled Promoting a Sustainable Future for the Post Office Network.

I draw Mr. Mueller's attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if he is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and continues to do so, he is entitled thereafter to only a qualified privilege in respect of his evidence. He is directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and is asked to respect the parliamentary practice that, where possible, he 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. I also wish to advise Mr. Mueller that any submission or opening statement he has submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting. 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call Mr. Mueller to make his opening statement after which we will take questions from the floor.