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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Matthews. The purpose of our meeting is to discuss the viability of and opportunities for the post office network.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome from the Irish Postmasters' Union, Mr. Ned O'Hara, general secretary, Mr. Sean Martin, president, Mr. Ciaran McEntee, vice president, and Mr. Tony Wall, union treasurer, and from the Independent Postmasters Group, Mr. Tom O'Callaghan.

I refer to the note on privilege in which all witnesses are again 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 people or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to 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 of the Leinster House campus, 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 physically present does. Witnesses participating in this committee session from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised that they should also be mindful of their domestic law and how it may apply to evidence they give.

Members are reminded of long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside of the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I also ask members not present in the Dáil Chamber who are joining this meeting remotely that prior to their contribution to the meeting to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I call on Mr. Ned O'Hara to make his opening statement.