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

The purpose of the meeting is to engage with the chairperson designate of the Dublin Port Company, Ms Lucy McCaffrey, to discuss the approach she proposes to take if and when she is reappointed to the role and her views on the challenges facing Dublin Port. By this stage, members are well 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 with the chairperson designate in public session to hear her views and we trust that this provides greater transparency in the process of appointments to State boards and bodies.
On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Ms Lucy McCaffrey. 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 the evidence they are to give this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. In particular, I advise Ms McCaffrey that any submission or opening statement she makes to the committee 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 any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.
I call on Ms McCaffrey to make her opening remarks. She is very welcome.