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

No apologies have been received. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the chairperson designate of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, Mr. Gareth Llewellyn, to the meeting. You are most welcome, Mr. Llewellyn. Thank you for agreeing to attend at such short notice. It is good that you are coming before us so early after your appointment.

I will read a note on privilege. 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 the good name of the person or entity. If their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identified 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. 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 meeting from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised that they should also be mindful of their domestic law and how it might apply to the 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 a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House campus to participate in public meetings. Reluctantly, I will not permit members to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member participating via Microsoft Teams, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, to confirm that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I invite Mr. Llewellyn to make his opening statement.