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

No apologies have been received. The purpose of our meeting today is to examine the national development plan with a view to making a submission to Review to Renew, the public consultation element of the national development plan. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the Minister for Transport and for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and his officials, Mr. Garret Doocey and Mr. Dominic Mullaney. They are all most welcome to the Dáil Chamber.

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

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 of the Oireachtas or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members joining the meeting remotely that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex, which obviously includes the Dáil Chamber. In this regard, I ask all members who are participating remotely, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I invite the Minister, Deputy Ryan, to make his opening statement.