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

Apologies have been received from Senator Craughwell and Deputy Duncan Smith. The purpose of today's meeting is to examine the national development plan with a view to making a submission to Review to Renew, the public consultation on the national development plan. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the following officials from the Department of Transport to today's meeting: Mr. Kenneth Spratt, Secretary General; Ms Ethna Brogan, acting assistant secretary; Ms Joan Curry , principal officer in the finance division; Mr Garret Doocey, principal officer in the area of sustainable mobility investment and policy; and Mr Dominic Mullaney, principal officer in the area of regional and local roads. They are all very welcome and I thank them for attending at such short notice after the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, became unavailable. We look forward to the Minister coming before the committee in the near future. It is extremely important that he appear before us to provide a comprehensive overview of the national development plan. The clerk is in communication with his office. We look forward to his attendance in the very near future.

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 with regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. For witnesses attending remotely outside the Leinster House campus, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege. 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 mindful of 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 an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House campus. In this regard, I ask all members, prior to making their contributions, to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I welcome those watching this meeting online and inform them that Oireachtas Members and witnesses are accessing this meeting remotely. Only I, as Chairman, and staff essential to the running of the meeting are physically present in the committee room. Due to the unprecedented circumstances arising from Covid and the large number of people attending the meeting remotely, I ask everyone for forbearance should any technical issue arise.