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

The purpose of this meeting is to engage with the chairs designate of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety and Shannon Group. The meeting will comprise two sessions. On behalf of the committee, I welcome to the first session the chair designate of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, Dr. Declan Bedford. I thank him for attending. We look forward to his opening presentation.

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.

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 also remind members that the Constitution requires them to be physically present in the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate when they are not able to meet this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be reluctantly asked to leave the meeting. I ask any member participating using Microsoft Teams to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making their contributions. 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 ask Dr. Bedford to make his opening statement.