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

The purpose of the meeting is to hear from IAG on its takeover bid for Aer Lingus in order to establish the likely repercussions of the potential sale of Aer Lingus to it. International Consolidated Airlines Group SA is a Spanish business corporation registered in Spain. I welcome from IAG Mr. Willie Walsh, chief executive, and Mr. Finbarr Griffin. Having heard from the unions and other groups on the takeover bid, we will now hear from Mr. Walsh on the possible positive impact of a takeover.

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 joint 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 any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Any submission or opening statement made 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 call on Mr. Walsh to make his opening statement.