Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The committee will examine the Comptroller and Auditor General Special Report 98 on the provision of school transport. We are joined from the Department of Education and Skills by Mr. Seán Ó Foghlú, Secretary General, Mr. Ned Costello and Mr. Richard Dolan. They are accompanied by representatives of Bus Éireann: Mr. Stephen Kent, CEO, Mr. Tom Delaney and Ms Miriam Flynn. I also welcome Ms Deirdre Hanlon, assistant secretary, and Mr. Kevin Doyle from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery that all mobile phones should be switched off or set to aeroplane mode. Phones that are on silent may interfere with the recording system.

I wish to advise witnesses of 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 of the committee are reminded of Standing Order 186, which provides that the committee shall refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister or the merits of the objectives of such policies.

While we expect witnesses to answer questions put by committee members clearly and with candour, they can, and should, expect to be treated fairly and with respect and consideration at all times, in accordance with the witness protocol.

I call the Comptroller and Auditor General to make a brief opening statement.