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

The purpose of our second session is to examine the challenges facing aviation workers and travel agents. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Paul Hackett, board member of the Irish Travel Agents Association, ITAA, and Mr. Pat Dawson, its CEO. From the Irish Air Line Pilots Association, IALPA, I welcome Mr. Evan Cullen, president, and Mr. Alan Brereton, vice president. From Fórsa, I welcome Ms Ashley Connelly, aviation sector organiser, and Mr. Johnny Fox, assistant general secretary, service and enterprise division. From Connect Trade Union, I welcome Mr. Paddy Kavanagh, general secretary. From SIPTU, I welcome Mr. Neil McGowan, aviation sector organiser, and Mr. Tony Carroll, industrial aviation sector. I thank the witnesses for participating at such short notice.

All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in respect of the identified person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. For witnesses attending the meeting remotely outside the Leinster House campus, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and 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 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 or entity 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 they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they physically locate in the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I ask that, prior to making a contribution, they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

For anyone watching this meeting online, Oireachtas Members and witnesses are accessing this meeting remotely. Only I as Chair and the staff essential to the running of the meeting are physically present in the committee room. Due to these unprecedented circumstances and the large number of people attending remotely, I ask everyone to bear with us should technical issues arise.

I draw everyone's attention to our severe time limitations, for which I apologise. I ask witnesses and members to operate within their time slots. I want the witnesses to be able to give the committee their key messages and requests on behalf of the people they represent so that we can leave this meeting with a collective view. However, I am conscious of the lack of time.

I invite Mr. Cullen, who has four minutes. I apologise for the time limitations, but we are where we are.