Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, staff and delegates to ensure their mobile phones are switched off as they cause interference with the broadcasting and web-streaming of the meeting which makes it difficult for the parliamentary reporters to report the proceedings.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss rural transport policy with representatives of the National Transport Authority.

On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Ms Anne Graham, chief executive officer, and Ms Margaret Malone, manager of the rural transport programme. I thank them for attending at short notice. It is appreciated by the committee.

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. The opening statement was circulated to members and will be published on the committee's website after the meeting.

I call on Ms Graham to make her opening statement. If she so wishes, she may introduce her other colleague.