Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of today's meeting is to engage with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, to discuss large-scale capital projects and also its operations generally. On behalf of the committee, I am very pleased to welcome from TII, Mr. Peter Walsh, chief executive officer, and Mr. Nigel O'Neill, director of capital projects. They are both very welcome.

I will read a quick note on privilege before we begin. 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 the person or entity. Therefore, if statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or identity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative 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 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 be able to permit a member to participate where they 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 Microsoft Teams that prior to making a contribution to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I now invite Mr. Walsh to make his opening statement.