Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have received apologies from our Leas-Chathaoirleach, Senator Horkan. The purpose of today's meeting is to meet with bus and coach providers to discuss issues relating to the industry. On behalf of the committee, I am very pleased to welcome, from Bus Éireann, Mr. Stephen Kent, chief executive officer, Mr. Allen Parker, chief customer officer, and Ms Jean O'Sullivan, chief people officer. From Dublin Bus, Bus Átha Cliath, I welcome Mr. Billy Hann, chief executive officer; Mr. Ciarán Rogan, chief customer officer; and Mr. Philip Donohue, director of HR. From Go-Ahead Ireland, I welcome Ms Dervla McKay, managing director, and Ms Niamh Swords, operations director. From the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland, CTTC, I welcome Mr. William Martin, chairperson, and executive members Mr. J.J. Kavanagh and Mr. Brendan Crowley.

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 may be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in nature with regard 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 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 be able to 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 any members participating via Microsoft Teams to confirm, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

Without further ado, I welcome the witnesses. There is a big gang of them here today and we have a few of their opening statements. First, I invite Mr. Stephen Kent on behalf of Bus Éireann to make his opening statement.