Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I request that the clerk drop Senator Boylan a line on behalf of the committee to congratulate her on her elevation to the European Parliament. I wish her the very best.

I thank the Minister for being here on this particular day. If he will bear with me, I have to read the privilege note. We will then commence. I remind witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make charges against a person or entity either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of that person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to any identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is important that they comply with that 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. I also 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 cannot permit a member to participate if he or she is not adhering to this requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. I ask any member participating via Microsoft Teams to confirm that he or she is on the Leinster House campus prior to making his or her contribution to the meeting.

The Minister is very welcome to the meeting. It is a significant day in his career and, on behalf of the committee and on my own behalf, I take this opportunity to congratulate him on three decades of public service. Personally, I have always found him to be an absolute gentleman. He has been very supportive of me given my own background as a person with a disability. He has done great work to create equality within the transport network. He has promoted accessible transport not just in terms of cost, but also for people whose mobility is impaired. We wish him well in his future endeavours, which I have no doubt will be interesting and very fulfilling. With that, the Minister is welcome to the meeting.