Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of today's meeting is to meet Mr. Kieran Mulvey to discuss his appointment as the chair designate of An Post. I am very pleased to welcome him back to Leinster House. He is not a stranger to these halls.

I remind witnesses that they are to be cognisant of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 which might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I would also like to remind members of the constitutional requirement that they should be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate when they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to discontinue. In this regard, I ask that any member participating from their offices here in Leinster House or via MS Teams to confirm prior to making their contribution to the meeting that they are in fact on the grounds of Leinster House.

Mr. Mulvey has a long-standing relationship with these Houses going back many years.

This is a great opportunity for the committee to hear from him about his vision for his appointment. I invite him to make his opening statement.