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

I welcome witnesses who are here to discuss the impact of the core bus corridor proposals. That is the main purpose of the first part of our meeting. In particular, I welcome Ms Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority, NTA, and Mr. Hugh Creegan, deputy CEO of the NTA. They are both very welcome.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give 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 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 entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I remind members 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 Graham to make her opening statement. It is up to her but if she is happy to do so I ask her to comment on the situation in regard to Na Fianna. As agreed, members may also ask questions about the other issue that has been raised, namely, MetroLink.