Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have received apologies from Senator Ivana Bacik.

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the accessibility in planning and delivery of transport projects. On behalf of the committee I wish to extend a warm welcome to the representatives from Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Peter Walsh, chief executive, and Sarah O'Donnell, designated access officer. I am also delighted to welcome from the National Transport Authority, Mr. Hugh Creegan, deputy chief executive. Ms Anne Graham, chief executive, will join the meeting shortly.

I remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex or in the complex of the Convention Centre Dublin when the Dáil is sitting. In that regard, if members are joining the meeting remotely they should confirm where they are, whether on the grounds of Leinster House or in the Convention Centre Dublin, while making a contribution to the meeting. Anyone watching the meeting online should note that witnesses are accessing the meeting remotely. Due to the unprecedented nature of everything please bear with us should any technical issues arise.

I will outline some formalities. I wish to advise witnesses that, on the matter of privilege, they are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of the proceedings should be given. Witnesses are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make charges against a person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I wish to advise members giving evidence from a location outside of the parliamentary precincts that the constitutional protection afforded to witnesses to give evidence before committees may not extend to them. No clear guidance can be given on this, due to the unprecedented nature of where we are, or on the extent to which evidence is covered by absolute privilege. Persons giving evidence from another jurisdiction should be mindful of the domestic statutory regime. If a witness is asked to cease giving evidence in respect of a particular matter, he or she should respect that direction from the committee. Everyone is reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice not to criticise entities or persons outside the House. I call on Mr. Peter Walsh of Transport Infrastructure Ireland to make his opening remarks.