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

This morning we will hear about two separate EU proposals. First, we will meet officials from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to hear about COM (2013) 130, a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and the Council amending Regulation EC261/2004, establishing common rules for compensation and assistance for passengers in the event that there is a denial of boarding and cancellation or long delay of flights, and Regulation EC2027/97 on air carrier liability in the carriage of passengers and their baggage by air.

On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Ms Ethna Brogan, Ms Niamh O'Brien and Mr. Austin Cunningham. I draw 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. If they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person, persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Any submission or opening statement witnesses have submitted to the committee will be published on its 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 a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on Ms Brogan to make her opening remarks.