Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind everyone to turn off his or her mobile phone as distinct from leaving it in silent mode, as mobile phones interfere with the broadcasting equipment.

I welcome the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, and his officials, Ms Deirdre Hanlon, Mr. Liam Daly and Mr. Garret Doocey, and thank them for attending. This is the fifth in a series of meetings convened to discuss the challenging situation at Bus Éireann. We heard previously from the acting CEO, Mr. Ray Hernan; the unions; the National Transport Authority and the Department of Social Protection. Since the Minister's last appearance before the committee to discuss the matter, the situation at Bus Éireann has deteriorated further. Workers are entering the sixth day of strike action and 110,000 commuters are being affected daily. Additionally, it is estimated that the company is losing €500,000 for every day the strike continues, giving a total of €3 million to date.

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 it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an 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 invite the Minister to make his opening statement.