Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 25 September 2019

Seanad Committee on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union

Implications for Ireland of the Withdrawal of the UK from the EU in Regard to Transport Matters

Photo of Neale RichmondNeale Richmond (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senator Gerald Nash. I remind members to ensure their mobile phones are switched off. This is important as it causes serious problems for broadcasting, editorial and sound staff.

I welcome all our witnesses from key parts of the transport sector to update the committee on the implications of Brexit for the transport sector and preparations for Brexit. In May and June 2017, we had valuable engagements with these key organisations: the National Transport Authority, NTA, the Dublin Airport Authority, DAA, and the Irish Rail and the Freight Transport Association, IRFTA. It was clear even then that transport links for individuals and freight would be one of the major challenges. Whatever happens in the next couple of weeks, transport links will be one of the most immediate and visible impacts of Brexit. We very much appreciate all these experts making time to be available to us again today. We look forward to learning from them as much as we did on the previous occasion.

Before inviting the witnesses to make their remarks, I remind everyone of the rules on privilege. 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.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. 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. 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.

I reiterate my appeal to members and witnesses about switching off their mobile phones. Before inviting our guests to make their remarks, I must point out that the Seanad is sitting and we are subject to votes being called. If we are called to a vote, we will suspend briefly. The process takes about eight to ten minutes depending on how divisive Senator Craughwell chooses to be-----

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