John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of today’s meeting is to discuss the maintenance of regional and local roads. I welcome Mr. Michael Walsh, Waterford City Council, Mr. John Mulholland, Kilkenny County Council and Mr. John McLoughlin, Donegal County Council, who are all members of the County and City Managers Association. We would also like to hear how the County and City Managers Association prioritises roads for remedial works.

I draw attention to the fact that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person, persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Any submission or opening statement witnesses have submitted to the committee will be published on its website after the meeting. 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 invite Mr. Michael Walsh to make his opening remarks.