John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of this meeting is to engage with Mr. Des Whelan, chairperson designate of the Port of Waterford Company in order to discuss the approach he proposes to take when appointed to the role and his views on the challenges facing the port. Members will be aware of the Government decision of May 2011 which put new arrangements in place for the appointment of persons to State boards and bodies. The committee welcomes the opportunity to meet the chairperson designate in public session to hear his views. I trust this provides greater transparency to the process of appointments to State boards and bodies.
On behalf of the committee I welcome Mr. Des Whelan. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and you continue to so do, you are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of the evidence. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and you are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, you should not criticise or make charges against any persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Any submission or opening statement you have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website. Members are reminded of a long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House, or any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I call on Mr. Whelan to make his opening remarks.