Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Paschal Donohoe to discuss the mid-year review of the Estimates for transport, tourism and sport - Vote 31. The purpose of this morning’s session is to engage with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in order to assist the committee in undertaking a mid-year review of the position on outputs and expenditure with particular reference to performance measurements in regard to Vote 31 for the year ended 31 December 2015.

The Minister will assist the committee in its consideration of improvements that may be desirable regarding the performance information included in the unabridged Estimate. The Minister might also brief the committee on the emerging position in order that this committee might participate in the 2016 Estimates discussions in advance of allocations being finalised. The committee welcomes the Minister.

I draw the attention of the 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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they 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 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. I also advise that any submission or opening statements made to the committee will be published on the committee website after this 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.

Can the Minister indicate the position on the New Zealand guidance in setting output based performance targets? The committee understands that had been the basis for discussion between the Department staff and the committee for the last number of months. I refer to the guidance included as appendices to the briefing materials circulated. The committee understands that the Department may have issues with how the guidance is being applied to the performance measures it has included in the Estimates. Can it be established whether the Department has issues with the guidance itself?