Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of today's meeting is to consider the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Bill 2024. I thank the Department for the briefing note it has provided to us. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy James Lawless, and his officials to the meeting.

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 witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory with regard 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 Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. For anyone watching this meeting, Oireachtas Members and witnesses now have the option of being physically present in the committee room or to join the meeting remotely via Microsoft Teams. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex to participate at this public meeting. I will not permit a member to contribute from outside the confines of Leinster House. Should a vote be called, members must physically come to the committee room to vote. If they are not in attendance, the bells will ring for the full period.

We will now proceed to our consideration of the Bill. I call on the Minister of State to make his opening statement.