Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I was here for Mr. Owens's opening statement. I also read it. I did not hear the contributions others have made because we were voting in the Seanad. I recognise some of the content of the speech because some it was the same as the speech Ray Coyne made two weeks ago. It also referenced 24-hour bus lanes, the Covid pandemic and other things. This meeting is as much about Mr. Owens as it is about Dublin Bus. The fact he has taken the role as chairman-designate is why we are all here. For my benefit and that of the people who may be looking in, he said in his statement he was honoured to be asked by the Minister for Transport, Deputy Ryan, to become the chairperson. Perhaps Mr. Owens will take us through how that came about. Was there a phone call from the Minister or what was the process?