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

The purpose of the second part of our meeting is to discuss Covid testing and air travel. On behalf of the committee I welcome Dr. Damien Kenny, director; Mr. Roberto Spano, chief executive; and Mr. Niall Lord, Nuevo Ireland. They are very welcome. I thank them for agreeing to participate in this meeting at such short notice. I apologise for the delay in starting. Our previous session with Mr. Bassato from Rome airport ran a little over time.

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.

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 wish to remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House or the Convention Centre Dublin, to participate in public meetings. Unfortunately, I will not be able to permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to the constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard I am asking members partaking via MS Teams to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making a contribution.

I call Dr. Kenny to make his opening statement.