Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind everyone to please switch off their mobile phones completely as they interfere with the recording and broadcasting equipment. We now turn to considering the current situation in Bus Éireann.

I welcome the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, to our meeting which is the fourth in a series convened by this committee to discuss the very challenging situation that presents itself at Bus Éireann. We have heard from the acting chief executive officer, CEO, of Bus Éireann, Mr. Ray Hernan, the unions and most recently the National Transport Authority, NTA, and the Department of Social Protection. I am delighted to welcome the Minister and his officials, Ms Deirdre Hanlon, Mr. Liam Daly and Mr. Garrett Doocey. I thank them for giving us their time this morning.

I draw the attention of witnesses 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 the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on 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 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.