John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will resume in public session. The purpose of this morning's meeting is to meet with Mr. Fred Barry, CEO, and his colleague Mr. Nigel O'Neill, head of commercial operations, procurement and strategic planning at the National Roads Authority about the authority's road programme, its funding, the possible further tolling of the M50 and policy on lighting of motorways. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Barry and Mr. O'Neill. I draw their 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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in respect of a particular matter and they continue to so do, they will be entitled thereafter only to a 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 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 or her identifiable. I also advise them that any submission or opening statements they have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite Mr. Barry to give his opening statement.