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

The purpose of this meeting is to engage with officials from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and a representative from the National Transport Authority on the provisions in the draft public transport Bill 2015. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Kevin Doyle, Ms Eilis O'Connor and Ms Nicola Hayes from the Department, and Mr. Hugh Creegan from the NTA. I draw the witnesses' 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. If they are directed by the Chair 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 or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also remind witnesses that any submission or opening statements they have made 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I call on Mr. Kevin Doyle to make his opening statement.