Mr. Sean Finlay:

A dhaoine uaisle, gabhaim buíochas libh as an gcuireadh a bheith anseo inniu. We are very pleased to have this invitation to be here today. At the outset, let me say how appreciative the academy is of the formation of this committee, which is carrying out very important work in relation to infrastructure. Joining me today is Mr. Tom Leahy, special adviser, director and past president. Also in support I have Mr. Tim Corcoran, chair of the infrastructure committee, and Ms Anne-Marie Conibear, who is a fellow of the academy.

The aim of the Irish Academy of Engineering is to advance the well-being of the country by gathering the expertise and insights of eminent engineers to provide independent, evidence-based advice to policymakers on matters involving engineering and technology in Ireland. We have affiliations with other academies in Europe, with Euro-CASE, and worldwide with the International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences. We also have a memorandum of understanding with the Royal Academy of Engineering in the UK and we have just recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Engineers Ireland, whose representatives are here today with us.

I will hand over now to Mr. Leahy, who will bring us through the next couple of slides.