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

We are dealing with sustainable mobility policy, which has been in train for a number of years but which is now under a different Minister. We will be interested to see what views are emanating from that. The purpose of this meeting is to engage with officials from the Department of Transport to discuss the policy. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Ken Spratt, Secretary General, Mr. Garret Doocey, principal officer at the sustainable mobility involvement and policy division, Mr. Dominic Mullaney, principal adviser at the regional and local roads division, and Mr. Andrew Ebrill, principal officer at the national roads, greenways and active travel division.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 a person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction. Witnesses attending remotely outside of the Leinster House campus should note that there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses who are physically present. 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 the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Oireachtas Members and witnesses now have the option to be physically present in the committee room or join the meeting remotely via MS Teams. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. Reluctantly, I will not permit members to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any members taking part via MS Teams that, prior to making their contribution, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

Those attending in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. They are strongly advised to practice good hygiene, leave at least one vacant seat between themselves and others and maintain an appropriate level of social distancing during and after the meeting. Masks should be worn at all times during the meeting except when speaking.

I call on Mr. Spratt to make his opening statement.