Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are here to examine Vote 31 - Transport, Tourism and Sport. From the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport we are joined by Graham Doyle, Secretary General, Caoimhín Ó Ciaruáin, Dominic Mullaney, Ethna Brogan, Maev Nic Lochlainn, Mark Behan and Kathleen Morrissey, and Philip Maher from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile phones completely.

I wish to advise the witnesses 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 the 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 that evidence. They are directed that only evidence concerning 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 of the committee are reminded of the provisions of Standing Order 186 to the effect that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such a policy. Finally, members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair 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 call the Comptroller and Auditor General who will make a short opening statement.