Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of today's meeting is to resume our discussion of national aviation policy and to receive an update on security arrangements and passenger services at Dublin Airport. We are joined by the new chief executive of the Dublin Airport Authority, DAA, Mr. Kenny Jacobs, and other representatives of the DAA. I am very pleased to welcome: Mr. Jacobs, the new CEO of the DAA; Ms Catherine Gubbins, CFO of the DAA; and Mr. Vincent Harrison, the managing director of Dublin Airport, a part of the DAA. They are all very welcome.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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 statements are potentially defamatory in relation to the identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such directions.

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 must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is 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 members partaking via MS Teams that prior to making a contribution to the meeting they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. 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. Jacobs to make his opening statement.