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

I must remind members to switch off their mobile phones completely. I apologise to our witnesses for the delay. Our earlier hearing went on for longer than anticipated. I welcome the witnesses and appreciate that they waited to make their presentation on this important issue.

We will consider the current situation pertaining to the licences of those who have been disqualified from driving. In this regard, I welcome Ms Moyagh Murdock, chief executive officer of the Road Safety Authority who is accompanied by Mr. Michael Rowland and Mr. Declan Naughton. I welcome Assistant Commissioner David Sheahan and Superintendent Con O'Donohue from the roads policing and major events management division of An Garda Síochána

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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Ms Murdock to make her opening presentation.