Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Gallery to ensure that mobile phones are turned off as they will interfere with the broadcasting equipment.

We will now discuss the current financial situation at Bus Éireann, the Expressway Service and the rural transport programme. The provision of a suitable and effective public transport service is integral to a functioning economy that seeks growth across all its region and not least in small towns and villages. Today, we have an important opportunity to discuss all matters pertaining to that.

The committee welcomes the opportunity to engage with Bus Éireann and Irish Rural Link. I hope today's discussion will identify some of the important issues which relate to this matter and on which we will be able to work. We are joined, from Bus Éireann, by Mr. Ray Hernan, acting CEO, and Mr. Stephen Kent and, from Irish Rural Link, by Mr. Seamus Boland, CEO, and Ms Louise Lennon, policy adviser. I thank them for attending.

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 this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of a long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that Members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or any official by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The presentations should be no more than five minutes in duration and after that I will allow members to ask questions in the format agreed in private session. I invite Mr. Hernan to make his opening statement.