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

I remind members to switch off their mobile phones.

The purpose of this afternoon's meeting is to engage with Ms Anne Nolan, the chairperson designate of the Irish Aviation Authority. We do so in order to discuss the approach she will take when reappointed to the role and to hear her views on the challenges facing the authority. Members will be aware of the Government's decision of May 2011 which put new arrangements in place for the appointment of persons to State boards and bodies. The committee welcomes the opportunity to meet the chairperson designate in public session and hear her views. We trust that this will provide greater transparency in the process of appointment to our State boards and bodies.
On behalf of the committee I sincerely welcome Ms Nolan. I wish to draw her 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 they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they will be 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 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. The opening statements they have submitted will be published on the committee's 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 any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I advise Ms Nolan that any submission or opening statements that she has submitted will be published on the committee's 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 any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. That is the housekeeping out of the way, so I call on Ms Nolan to make her opening remarks.