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

Today's meeting is in two sessions, the first of which is with representatives from the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland, CTTC, and they are all very welcome. The second session will be with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss issues affecting the coach industry, including costs, driver shortages and licensing. I am pleased to welcome on behalf of the committee Mr. Brendan Crowley, Wexford Bus; Mr. David Conway, Citylink; and Mr. Brian Lynch, Suirway.

With regard to privilege, witnesses are reminded of the longstanding 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. If their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to any identified 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 longstanding 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 also reminded of the constitutional requirement that they 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 if 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 any members participating via MS Teams to confirm that they are on the grounds of Leinster House campus prior to making a contribution. If attending in the committee room, they are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

I invite Mr. Conway to make his opening statement on behalf of CTTC.