Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss urban public and sustainable transport. I will call on the witnesses to make their opening statements in the following order: the National Transport Authority; Bus Éireann; Go-Ahead Ireland; and, last but not least, Dublin Bus.

On behalf of the committee, I am pleased to welcome from the National Transport Authority, Mr. Hugh Creegan and Mr. Jeremy Ryan. From Bus Éireann, we have Mr. Stephen Kent and Ms Jean O'Sullivan. From Go-Ahead Ireland, we have Ms Dervla McKay and Ms Niamh Swords. Finally, from Dublin Bus, we have Mr. Billy Hann, Mr. Phil Donohue and Mr. Ciarán Rogan. I also acknowledge the other members of their teams.

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 the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings.

I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is 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 MS Teams that, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

To begin, I invite Mr. Creegan to make his opening statement on behalf of the NTA.