Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank members and witnesses for being here today to consider the report of the citizens' assembly on a directly elected mayor of Dublin. I note that an invitation was extended to the National Transport Authority, the HSE, the Department of Health and the Department of Education. I welcome from the National Transport Authority, Ms Anne Graham, CEO, and Mr. Hugh Creegan, deputy CEO. We have indications from the other bodies that written submissions are pending. We reserve the right to extend a future invitation to them. Unfortunately, we have a very tight timeline to return to the Dáil our report on the citizens' assembly. I thank the witnesses for attending.

This is one of three meetings. Last week, we met local authority chief executives and cathaoirligh. This week, we are meeting some of the agencies to which key powers may be devolved. At our next meeting, we will meet the chambers of commerce and public participation networks as a method of engaging with the voluntary sector.

We are very pleased to have the witnesses with us. Last week, we managed to have members keep their contributions to the issue of a directly elected mayor of Dublin, rather than asking about various operational matters. Given that we have a little bit more leeway today, I will allow members to extend their questioning slightly. I am sure the witnesses will be well able for such engagement but we will not allow members to go too far.

I will read a note on privilege. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place in which Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings. For those witnesses attending in the committee room, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their contribution to today's meeting. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. Both members and witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege they enjoy and it is my duty as Chair to ensure this privilege is not abused. 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 should it be issued.

For witnesses attending remotely, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a person who is physically present.

Members and witnesses 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.

The opening statements will be published on the committee website after this meeting. I invite Ms Anne Graham to make her opening statement.