Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the meeting is for the joint committee to discuss toll increases and ongoing projects with representatives of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII. On behalf of the committee, I am very pleased to welcome from TII Mr. Peter Walsh, chief executive officer; Mr. Pat Maher, director of network management; Mr. Robert Desmond, head of PPE procurement and finance; and Mr. Nigel O'Neill, director of capital programmes.

I will read a note on privilege. All 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 a person or entity. Therefore, if their 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 of 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 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 members participating via Microsoft Teams to confirm, prior to making their contributions, that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I invite Mr. Walsh to make his opening statement.