Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of today's meeting is to engage with representatives of the Irish Air Line Pilots' Association. On behalf of the committee, I thank Captain Evan Cullen and Captain Alan Brereton for their attendance. They are very welcome.

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 to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if a witness's statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, he or she will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that her or she complies with any such direction. Witnesses attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus, please note there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present. Witnesses participating in the committee session from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised that they should be mindful of domestic law and how it may apply to the evidence they give.

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 remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House campus to participate in public meetings.

I will not permit members to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will reluctantly be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I would ask any member partaking via Microsoft Teams that prior to making a contribution to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. If attending in the committee room, members are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. Masks should be worn at all times during the meeting except when speaking.

Captain Cullen is here to discuss the Air Navigation and Transport Bill 2020. A matter obviously arose in the Seanad and Senators made the sensible suggestion of inviting the captain before the committee. I call on him to make his opening statement.