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

The purposes of this meeting are to discuss the future of the An Post network with the Irish Postmasters Union and, separately, to meet with the chair designate of Bus Átha Cliath. The meeting will be held in two sessions. On behalf of the committee, I welcome to the first session, which is to discuss the future of the An Post network, the Irish Postmasters Union representatives: Mr. Ned O'Hara, general secretary; Mr. Sean Martin, president; and Mr. Ciarán McEntee, vice president.

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 the person or entity. Therefore, if their statement is potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable 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 physically present. Witnesses participating from a jurisdiction outside the State should be mindful of their domestic law and how it may 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 be physically present in the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. Reluctantly, I will not permit a member to participate when 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. I ask any member participating via Microsoft Teams that, prior to making their contribution, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. Members attending in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

I invite Mr. O'Hara to make his opening statement.