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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Michael Lowry and I welcome his substitute, Deputy Verona Murphy.

Today's meeting will involve two sessions. The purpose of the first session is to engage with Ms Liz O’Donnell, Chair Designate of the Road Safety Authority, and Mr. Jerry Grant, Chair Designate of Dublin Port, to discuss the strategic priorities for their roles and hear their views on the challenges currently facing the organisations. On behalf of the committee I welcome them both. Accompanying Ms O'Donnell is Mr. Declan Naughton, and attending virtually is Mr. Brian Farrell and Mr. Sam Waide from the RSA. All are welcome.

All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that 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, or otherwise to engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if the statement of a witness is potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, the witness will be directed to discontinue these remarks. It is imperative to comply with any such direction.

For witnesses attending 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 a witness who is physically present. Witnesses participating in this committee session from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised that they should be mindful of their domestic law and how it 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 against an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

In terms of housekeeping, participants will be aware that under Covid rules we are limited to two hours, so we have had to split the session, and this session is 30 minutes. The witnesses have made statements that all members have received. I ask that the witnesses confine their contributions to a summary of their statements that lasts four minutes to allow us time for questions.

I call Ms O'Donnell to make her opening statement. The time is restrictive and we have her written statement, so I ask her for a summary that lasts four minutes.