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

We have a quorum. We are in public session. I remind all present to switch off their mobile phones. Apologies have been received from Deputies Michael Colreavy, Seán Kenny and Noel Harrington.
The purpose of the meeting is to engage with Ms Liz O'Donnell, chairperson designate of the Road Safety Authority, in order to discuss the approach she proposes to take when appointed to the role and her views on the challenges currently facing the authority. Members are no doubt aware of the Government 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 with the chairperson designate in public session to hear her views and we trust that this provides greater transparency to the process of appointment to our State boards and bodies. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Liz O'Donnell. I have no doubt most, if not all, members know her already. She is welcome back to the Houses of the Oireachtas.
I 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 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. Witnesses 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 or her identifiable. I also wish to advise that any submission or opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on the committee 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I invite Ms O'Donnell to make her opening remarks.