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

The purpose of today’s meeting is the pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the airport noise regulation Bill 2018. In this regard, I welcome the following officials: Mr. Ronan Gallagher and Mr. Michael O'Connor, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport; and Mr. Gabriel O'Duffy, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. They are all very welcome.

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

I invite Mr. Ronan Gallagher, principal officer at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, to make his opening statement.