Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this meeting is to consider the Supplementary Estimates for Vote 31 - Transport. I remind members the committee has no role in approving the Estimates. This is an ongoing opportunity for the committee to examine departmental expenditure, make the process more transparent and engage in a meaningful way on relevant performance issues. I thank the Department for the briefing note provided. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Lawless, and his officials and thank them for their attendance.

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 a person or entity.

Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory regarding 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. For anyone watching this meeting, Oireachtas Members and witnesses now have the option of being physically present in the committee room or of joining the meeting remotely via Microsoft Teams. I do not believe there are any members attending online at the moment, but I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate at this public meeting. I will not permit a member to participate if he or she is not adhering to this requirement. Any member who is participating online must indicate that he or she is within the confines of the Leinster House campus prior to making his or her contribution.

I welcome the Minister of State and invite him to make his opening statement.