Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

Good morning all, and welcome. The purpose of today's meeting of the joint committee is to discuss rural bus transport, which, we all agree, is a vital element of national connectivity, economic development and social inclusion. Reliable, affordable and frequent public transport is not a luxury in rural Ireland; it is a lifeline for work, education, health and community life.

On behalf of the committee, I am pleased to welcome, from the National Transport Authority, Mr. Hugh Creegan, interim chief executive, Mr. Jeremy Ryan, director of public transport services, and Mr. Conor O'Donovan, senior transport planner; from Bus Éireann, Mr. Stephen Kent, chief executive officer, Ms Miriam Flynn, chief schools officer, and Mr. Allen Parker, chief customer officer; and from the Coach Tourism and Transport Council, Mr. David Conway, chairperson, Mr. Brendan Crowley, vice chairperson, and Mr. J.J. Kavanagh, executive committee member.

Before we begin, I will read some notes 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.

Finally, 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 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 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 call on the witnesses to make their opening statements in the following order: the NTA, followed by Bus Éireann and thereafter the Coach Tourism and Transport Council. I invite Mr. Creegan to make the opening statement on behalf of the NTA.