Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses in committee room 2. We are examining the impact of Covid-19 on public transport provision and I welcome Mr. Dermot O'Leary, general secretary, and Mr. Thomas O'Connor, senior representative, from the National Bus and Rail Union, NBRU; Mr. Jim Waldron from the National Private Hire and Taxi Association; and Mr. Gerry Macken from the Taxi Alliance of Ireland.

I advise the witnesses that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they 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 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 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 ask Mr. O'Leary to introduce his delegation and make some comments outlining the key points of his submission to the committee, which has been circulated. I ask him to limit his introduction and comments to five minutes to allow time for questions and answers.