Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of today's meeting is for the joint committee to discuss an update on national car testing, including staffing issues and driver licence issues with representatives of the National Driver Licence Service, NDLS. On behalf of the committee, I am pleased to welcome from the Road Safety Authority, RSA, Mr. Brendan Walsh, chief operations officer; and Ms Alison Coleman, director of people, development and culture. From Applus Ireland, I welcome Mr. Mark Synnott, managing director.

I will read a note on privilege before we start. 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 remind members of the constitutional requirement 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 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 any member participating via MS Teams to confirm he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to making his or her contribution.

I invite Mr. Walsh to make his opening statement on behalf of the RSA.