Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

The purpose of today's meeting is an engagement with the chairperson designate of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, Mr. Sean Quigley. He is very welcome. The joint committee will receive an overview of his role and plans for the organisation.

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 that person or entity. 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. 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 members must be physically present within the confines of Leinster House in order to participate in public meetings.

I will not 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 member partaking via MS Teams that prior to making their contribution to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of Leinster House.

I thank Mr. Quigley for taking the time to appear before the committee this morning. The bureau has such an important role in ensuring road safety in Ireland by detecting and analysing drink- and drug-related driving, supplying and approving testing equipment and contributing to our road safety strategy. I invite Mr. Quigley to make his opening statement.