Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, delegates and those in the Visitors Gallery to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the recording and broadcasting equipment.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the accessibility of public transport for people with disabilities. This is the third of a series of meetings we have had on the issue. We have previously heard from transport users and, more recently, transport operators. Next week we will again hear from transport users and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport will also attend.

I welcome from the National Disability Authority Ms Siobhan Barron, director; Dr. Gerald Craddock and Ms Niamh Fawl; and from the National Transport Authority Ms Anne Graham, CEO, and Mr. Hugh Creegan.

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 joint committee. However, if 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 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 Ms Barron to make her opening statement. She will be followed by Ms Graham.