Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise to our witnesses for the delay. The committee was dealing with some very important matters while in private session. I welcome the officials from the Department of Transport to the meeting: Mr. Eddie Burke, Mr. Paul Hannon, Mr. Éanna Ó Conghaile and Ms Hillary Dalton.

Before we begin I draw witnesses' attention to 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 Chairman to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses 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 a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now invite Mr. Ó Conghaile to make his opening statement.