Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members to ensure their mobile telephones are switched off for the duration of this meeting as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment even when in silent mode. The purpose of this meeting is to engage with the chairperson designate of the Dublin Airport Authority to discuss the approach he proposes to take if and when reappointed to the role, as well as his views on the challenges currently facing the authority. All members are well aware by now of the Government decision of May 2011 that put in place the new arrangements for the appointment of persons to State boards and bodies. The committee welcomes the opportunity to meet the chairperson designate to hear his views and we trust this provides greater transparency to the process of appointment to State boards and bodies.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Pádraig Ó Ríordáin. I draw his 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 this committee. If he is directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and he continues to so do, he is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of his evidence.

He is directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and he is asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, he 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 also wish to advise that any submission or opening statement he makes 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 invite Mr. Pádraig Ó Ríordáin to make his opening remarks. I also should explain to him that at 3:30 p.m., I will be obliged to vacate the Chair for other parliamentary business and so if he sees me leaving, he should not take it personally.