Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

On behalf of the committee, I welcome: Mr. Keith Walsh, assistant secretary, and Mr. Tomás Campbell, principal officer, from the Department of Transport; Mr. Sam Waide, CEO, Mr. Brendan Walsh, chief operations officer, Mr. Michael Rowland, director of research, standards and assurance, Ms Nessa Kelly, director of strategy, performance and transformation, and Ms Annette Ferguson, communications, from the Road Safety Authority; Ms Catharina Gunne, assistant commissioner for roads policing and community engagement, and Dr. Shawna Coxon, deputy commissioner for policing operations, from An Garda Síochána; and last, but by no means least, Ms Susan Gray, chairperson, from PARC. To the Public Gallery, I welcome Ms Debbie Mullan, chairperson of Road Victim Support Northern Ireland - Donegal.

Before we begin, I will read some notes on privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit any 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 that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I will now call on the witnesses to make their opening statements. From the Department of Transport, I call Dr. Keith Walsh.