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

The purpose of the meeting is to engage with the National Transport Authority on the business case appraisal for DART underground and DART expansion projects as well as the impact of the Minister's decision to delay the underground tunnel project.

Members of the committee would also like to discuss funding for community transport, such as the Kerry Flyer, which is a charitable company which tenders for school bus contracts at the expense of small private bus operators. On behalf of the committee I welcome from the National Transport Authority Ms Anne Graham, chief executive officer, Mr. Hugh Creegan, deputy chief executive officer, and Mr. Tim Gaston, director of public transport services.

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 witnesses are directed by the chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so 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 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 also that any submission or opening statements witnesses have made to the committee may be published on the committee website after the meeting.

I remind members 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 either name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Ms Anne Graham to make her opening statement.