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

Apologies have been received from Senator Terry Brennan.
The purpose of the meeting is to engage with Mr. Ultan Courtney, chairperson designate of Dublin Bus, in order to discuss the approach he proposes to take when appointed to this role and his views on the challenges facing the company. Members will be aware of the Government's decision in 2011 to put new arrangements in place for the appointment of persons to State boards and bodies. The joint committee welcomes the opportunity to meet the chairperson designate to hear his views. We trust this will provide greater transparency in the process of appointment to State boards and bodies. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Courtney.
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 it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, 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 or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise that any submission or opening statement 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 House or any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Mr. Courtney is very welcome and I invite him to make his opening submission.