John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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No. 7 on the agenda is a meeting with the National Transport Authority. The purpose of this morning's meeting is to engage with the National Transport Authority on the impact of the Luas cross city line on the city centre's commercial life and the timescale for its completion, as well as on the authority's vision of the future of public transport in the city of Dublin. On behalf of the joint committee, I again welcome Mr. Gerry Murphy and Mr. Hugh Creegan of the National Transport Authority, NTA.
I draw the witnesses' attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they will be 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also advise the witnesses that any submission or opening statements they have submitted will be published on the committee's 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 any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. As that is the housekeeping out of the way, I call Mr. Murphy to make his opening statement.