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

We will move on to No. 8 on the agenda, which is a discussion with Freight Transport Association Ireland. The purpose of this meeting is to engage with Freight Transport Association, FTA, Ireland with regard to the new national postcode system, Eircode, which was developed and will be operated by Capita Business Support Services Limited. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Neil McDonnell and his colleagues, Mr. Tom Carr of Palletxpress, Mr. Andy Smith of UPS and Mr. Niall Cotton of BOC Ireland. 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 the 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 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 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 Mr. McDonnell to make his opening remarks.