Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are dealing with issues affecting the aviation sector. I welcome our witnesses. We are joined by Mr. Eddie Wilson, chief executive officer, of Ryanair. I thank him for coming back before the committee a second time. This is an extremely important issue. We are also joined by Mr. Donal Moriarty, interim chief executive officer, and Mr. Reid Moody, chief strategy and planning officer, of Aer Lingus. I thank them for being with us virtually today.

Before commencing, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards reference the witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and the statute by absolute privilege. However, today's witnesses are giving their evidence remotely from a place outside the parliamentary precincts and as such may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does. Witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to the identified person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. 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.

Members are also reminded that committee meetings should conclude within two hours in any one day. The committee is scheduled to sit twice today for a cumulative time of just under four hours. Therefore, members are asked to rotate in and out of the meeting when they have finished asking their questions. With this in mind, I propose Deputy Joe Carey to act as temporary Chair, as he did previously, for the part of today's meeting where I will be rotating out of the meeting to abide by the two-hour rule. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I call Mr. Wilson to make his opening statement.