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

The purpose of this meeting is to engage with Iarnród Éireann on disused railway lines and with West-on-Track in regard to the western rail corridor. On behalf of the committee I welcome Mr. Don Cunningham, director of infrastructure and Mr. Niall Grogan, manager of CIE group property appearing on behalf of Iarnród Éireann and Mr. Colmán Ó Raghallaigh, Mr. Frank Dawson and Mr. Howard Knott of the Irish Exporters Association who are from West-on-Track.

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 the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter to only 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 also advise them that 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 or persons outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The presentations have been circulated to members and the witnesses may wish to refer to them briefly in their opening remarks so that we allow as much time as possible for questions.

I invite Mr. Don Cunningham to make his opening remarks.