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

The purpose of the meeting is to allow the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, to brief members on the agenda for the meeting of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council in Luxembourg tomorrow. I welcome him and his officials, Mr. Fintan Towey, Ms Ethna Brogan, Mr. Eddie Burke, Mr. Seamus Ryan and Mr. Michael Morrissey. Members should bear in mind that the Minister has to leave by 11.15 a.m. at the latest.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l), witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. However, 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 entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. They are advised that any document or opening statement they 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 invite the Minister to make his opening statement.