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

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to engage with representatives of Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority on interurban and Expressway services and the co-ordination of rural transport services with the Expressway network. On behalf of the committee, I welcome from Bus Éireann Mr. Aidan Murphy, chairman, Mr. Martin Nolan, CEO, Mr. Stephen Kent and Ms Nicola Cooke. From the National Transport Authority I welcome Mr. Hugh Creegan, deputy CEO, and Mr. Tim Gaston, director of public transport services. The representatives from Bus Éireann will update members on the company's performance in 2015 and those from the NTA will deal with the authority's role in the co-ordination of rural transport services with Bus Éireann's interurban services.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l)of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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. 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 advise them that any submissions or opening statements they have made to the committee may be published on the committee's 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Mr. Martin Nolan to make his opening statement.