Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 16 December 2020

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport

Impact of Brexit on Haulage, Freight, the Ports and Ferry Companies: Discussion

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

We had initial correspondence from them yesterday to the effect that were not going to appear. I made direct calls to both Irish Ferries and Stena Line myself, as Chair, something I would not normally do, but I felt so strongly on this particular matter that I felt we had to put it on the record that we wanted all the ferry companies represented. DFDS, through Mr. Aidan Coffey, and Brittany Ferries, through Mr. Christophe Mathieu, obliged and agreed to come in at very short notice and I acknowledge that. Irish Ferries and Stena Line are covering cross-Channel routes frequently, following each other across the Channel, and their representatives should be here today. We will be writing to them to that effect and asking them to appear before the committee early in the new year. That does not take from the quality of the witnesses that we have here today. They are also principal players in the industry.

All 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. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

For witnesses attending remotely, there are some limitations on parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does. Witnesses participating in this committee session from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised that they should be aware of their domestic law and how it might 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.

Stena Line has stated that its representatives will come in next year and I hope Irish Ferries will do likewise because it is critical they are here. I call on Mr. Drennan, president of the Irish Road Haulage Association, to make his opening statement.

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