Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senators Gerard Craughwell and Regina Doherty. Deputy Brian Leddin is substituting for Deputy Steven Matthews. Today's meeting comprises two sessions. Session 1 is with the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, who is very welcome, as always, and officials from the Department of Transport. Session 2, at approximately 3 p.m., will be a meeting with Mr. Declan Fitzpatrick, the new chief executive officer of the Irish Aviation Authority, IAA. The purpose of the first session is for the committee to continue to discuss the transport sector emission ceiling. We are joined by the Minister, Deputy Ryan, and his officials. I am pleased to welcome the Minister, on behalf of the committee.

I have a note on privilege for witnesses and members. 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 witnesses' statements are 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 to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that members must 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 they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside of the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member partaking via MS Teams to confirm, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. If attending in the committee room, people are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

I invite the Minister to make his opening statement.