Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, witnesses and people in the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile telephones as distinct from flight or silent mode, as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment. We now turn to consideration of the issue of the roads infrastructure programme. I welcome the witnesses to the meeting and thank them for their attendance.

I welcome Mr. Ray O'Leary and Mr. Dominic Mullaney from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and Mr. Michael Nolan, Mr. Peter Walsh, Mr. Pat Maher and Mr. Nigel O'Neill from Transport Infrastructure Ireland. I thank them for appearing before the committee today. I thank the officials who are in attendance with them. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss issues relating to Ireland's roads infrastructure programme. The opening statements have been circulated to members.

In accordance with procedure, I am required to advise the witnesses 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 this committee. However, 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. Witnesses 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. 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.

I remind our guests that their presentations should be no more than five minutes in duration. I invite Mr. Ray O'Leary from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to make his opening statement.