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

No apologies have been received.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, in particular its impact on people with disabilities in the transport sector. I apologise to the witnesses for the delay in commencing the meeting and thank them for their forbearance. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. John Fulham from the Irish Wheelchair Association, IWA; Mr. Tim O'Mahony, CEO, and Ms Léan Kennedy, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind; and Ms June Tinsley, Ms Lorna Fitzpatrick, advocacy and engagement manager, and Ms Joanne Murphy, service user and advocate, National Council for the Blind of Ireland, NCBI.

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 the good name of the person or entity. If their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of 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 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 who is physically present does. Witnesses participating in this session 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 in order 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 members participating via Microsoft Teams to confirm prior to making their contributions that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

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