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

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss issues impacting the taxi industry. Before we begin I want to welcome our new clerk to the committee, Iqra Zainul Abedin.

Today I am pleased to welcome, on behalf of the committee, Mr. Alan Cooley, Mr. James Maguire, Mr. Philip Egan and Mr. Des Dempsey from the Irish Taxi Drivers Federation; Mr. Alan Brennan and Mr. David McGuinness from Tiománai Tacsaí na hÉireann; Mr. Kevin Barrett from the Taxi Alliance of Ireland, who is attending remotely; and Mr. Jim Waldron from the National Private Hire and Taxi Association.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons 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 relation to any person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and 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 of the constitutional requirement that they be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not able to meet 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 any member participating using Microsoft Teams to confirm that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making his or her contribution. If attending in the committee room, members are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

I now invite Mr. Cooley to make an opening statement on behalf of the Irish Taxi Drivers Federation.