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

I remind members, delegates and those in the Visitors Gallery to turn off their mobile phones completely as they may interfere with the recording and broadcasting equipment, even when left in silent mode.

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 joint committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

From the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport I welcome Mr. Dominic Mullaney and Mr. Cormac McNally, roads division. From Meath County Council I welcome Mr. Des Foley, director of services, with whom I worked for many years when he was town clerk in Drogheda. We miss him greatly. I am sorry that he is in County Meath, but on this occasion that is useful. From Meath County Council I also welcome Mr. Nicholas Whyatt, senior engineer. From Julianstown and District Community Association I welcome Niamh Bean Uí Loinsigh and Mr. Brendan Logue.

I invite Mr. Mullaney to make his opening statement.