Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of the meeting today is for the joint committee to discuss the Transport Research Arena, TRA, event in April 2024 to be held in Dublin. On behalf of the committee, I am pleased to welcome: Mr. John McCarthy from the Department of Transport, chair of the TRA management committee; Ms Helen Hughes from Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII; Ms Celine Crawford from Arup Ireland, associate director; Dr. Ciaran McNally from UCD, chair of the programme committee; and Mr. Chris Smith from the Department of Transport.

I will read a note on privilege. 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 respect of 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 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 any member participating via MS Teams to confirm that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus prior to contributing to the meeting. Apologies have been received from Deputy Duncan Smith.

I have to attend a vote in a moment, so I will ask Deputy Kenny to take over chairing for the opening statement. I have read the opening remarks already, and will be back shortly. I ask Mr. McCarthy to make the opening statement on behalf of the TRA committee.