Chairman:

I acknowledge that members are indicating to speak on this issue. I will first address the formalities of the meeting and then allow members to comment on the issues raised by Deputy Eamon Ryan.

I ask members and those in the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode as they interfere with the broadcasting service. On behalf of the committee, I welcome from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport Mr. Graham Doyle, Secretary General, Ms Laura Behan, principal officer, and Ms Carol O'Reilly, public transport investment division. I also welcome Ms Anne Graham, chief executive officer of the National Transport Authority.

Before we commence our formal proceedings, I wish to advise the witnesses 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 so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses 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. Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair 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.

Before I call Mr. Doyle to make his opening statement, I call Deputy Pringle, who wishes to address the issue raised by Deputy Eamon Ryan.