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

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to engage with the National Transport Authority and Bus Éireann about recently announced cuts to Expressway bus services. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Anne Graham and Mr. Hugh Creegan from the National Transport Authority; and Mr. Martin Nolan, Mr. Aidan Murphy and Mr. David Lane from Bus Éireann.

I draw the attention of witnesses 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 the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 they 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 wish to advise witnesses that any submission or opening statements they make 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. As this week is Seachtain na Gaeilge, any questions or answers will be translated into Irish. If translation into English is required, I ask those present to use the headphones. If those present are using headphones, they should turn up the volume and put them back when not in use because they will interfere with the sound system. I call on Ms Anne Graham to make her opening statement.