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

This is one of our concluding sessions on issues affecting the aviation sector. I welcome the following witnesses to today's meeting: Ms Anne Bonner, outgoing managing director, Mr. Steve Ó Cúláin, chair, and Ms Eilis Docherty, incoming managing director, Donegal Airport; and Mr. John Mulhern, CEO, and Mr. Basil Sheerin, chief financial officer, Kerry Airport; and Mr. Joe Gilmore, ,managing director, Ireland West Airport.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that 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 or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. If the witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory, in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with all such directions.

For witnesses attending the meeting remotely, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and as such they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses who are physically present. Witnesses participating in this meeting from jurisdictions outside this State are also advised that they should be mindful of their domestic law and how that may apply to the evidence they give.

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 call on Mr. Ó Cúláin and Ms Bonner to make their opening statements on behalf of Donegal Airport.