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

The second session of today's meeting will consider Local Link and the rural transport programme. In that regard, I very much welcome from the National Transport Authority, NTA, Ms Anne Graham, CEO; Mr. Hugh Creegan, deputy CEO; and Ms Margaret Malone, rural transport manager.

Before we commence, I am obliged to read the following notice. 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 do so, 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 either a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I apologise to our witnesses. Our earlier meeting was very useful but went on a little longer than we expected. I invite Ms Anne Graham to make her opening statement.