Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this meeting is to engage with officials from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in order to further scrutinise COM (2013) 296, establishing a framework on market access to port services and financial transparency of ports.

On behalf of the Joint Committee I wish to welcome Ms Mary Lally, Ms Catherine O'Sullivan and Mr. Garret Doocey of the Department's marine transport division. I wish to draw the attention of witnesses 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 on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are 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. 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. I also wish to advise the witnesses that any submission or opening statements they have 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 Houses, or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now call on Ms Mary Lally to make her opening remarks.