Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the role of the private sector construction industry, including international comparisons, in delivering high-quality national infrastructure. I am pleased to welcome Mr. Andrew Brownlee, who was with us previously, Construction Industry Federation, CIF; Mr. Paul Sheridan, main contracting and civil engineering director, Murphy Ireland; Mr. John G. Murphy, managing director, John Paul Construction; Mr. Liam Kenny, managing director; and Mr. Micheál O’Connor, group managing director, Dornan Group.

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 the good name of the 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.

I remind members that they are allocated a six-minute speaking slot that includes questions and answers. Everybody who wishes can come in for a second round of questions.

I invite Mr. Brownlee to make the opening statement on behalf of his group. When witnesses are called individually, will they give a quick pen picture for the public watching and for the benefit of committee members of their company, what scale of activity it is involved in and the type of projects? We had housing the last time. They are in a different sector of the construction industry. Will they outline their experience both outside of and in Ireland? That is important us. While we are an island, we have to learn a lot from outside the country as well.