Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the meeting today is for the joint committee to discuss Ireland's national aviation policy. We are joined by representatives of Ireland's regional airports. On behalf of the committee I am very pleased to welcome Mr. Niall MacCarthy, managing director of Cork Airport; Ms Eilís Docherty, managing director of Donegal Airport; Mr. Stiofán O Cúláin, chairman of Donegal Airport; Mr. Gary Martin, deputy chairman of Donegal Airport; Mr. Joe Gilmore, managing director of Ireland West Airport; Mr. John Mulhern, chief executive officer of Kerry Airport, and Mr. Basil Sheerin, chief financial officer of Kerry Airport; and Ms Mary Considine from Shannon Airport.

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, their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue such 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 remind members of the constitutional requirements that members 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 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 member participating via MS Teams that prior to making their contribution to the meeting they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. If attending in the committee room, members and witnesses are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

I invite Mr. Niall MacCarthy to make his opening statement on behalf of Cork Airport. I am conscious that the longer the statements take, the less time we will have for the members and the interactions. Some of the opening statements are quite long. If witnesses are able to summarise them a little bit, that would be fine. Witnesses can read them into the record, but it will take away from the amount of engagement we will have because this room will be needed again. We need to be out of here by about 4.30 p.m. I thank everyone for being here.