Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of today's meeting is for the joint committee to discuss the Public Service Performance Report 2023. On behalf of the committee, I am very pleased to welcome the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and his officials.

I remind witnesses 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 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. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the House 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 Members 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 if they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Any Member participating online via MS Teams is obliged to make it known they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.