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

On behalf of the committee I welcome the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and his officials. You are all very welcome.

On privilege, all witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not 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.

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.

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. Members are now once more permitted to participate in meetings from the committee room, which is a welcome development and we welcome the Minister in that regard today.

I remind any member who wishes to participate remotely of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. Reluctantly, I will not permit a member 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 that, prior to making their contribution, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I call on the Minister, Deputy Ryan, to make his opening statement.