Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, delegates and those in the Visitors Gallery to turn off their mobile phones, as distinct from leaving them in silent mode, as they interfere with the broadcasting equipment.

We return to considering the issue of a vision for public transport. This is the third and final set of hearings on the issue held in the past two months. It is proposed that following our hearings today, we produce a report on the topic, making a number of recommendations which will be presented to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in due course.

I welcome from the National Transport Authority Ms Anne Graham, chief executive officer, and Mr. Hugh Creegan, deputy chief executive; from Dublin City Council Mr. Richard Brady, assistant chief executive, and Mr. Brendan O'Brien, acting executive manager of traffic; from the Automobile Association of Ireland Mr. Conor Faughnan, director of consumer affairs, and Mr. Barry Aldworth, public relations officer; from Transdev Mr. Gerry Madden, managing director; and from the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland Mr. Kevin Traynor, national director, and Mr. John Halpenny, vice chairperson. I thank all of them for appearing before the committee. The opening statements and briefing documents submitted have been circulated to members.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. If, however, they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The presentations should be no more than five minutes in duration. If they are shorter, that will be no problem. I call on Ms Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA, to make her opening statement.