The Road Traffic and Roads Bill should really include e-bikes and e-scooters. We will have to rename it. From Bird, I welcome Ms Victoria Springthorpe, head of policy for the UK and Ireland, and Mr. James Padden, general manager for the UK and Ireland. From Spin, I welcome Mr. Brit Moller, head of public policy. From Zipp Mobility, I welcome Mr. Will O'Brien, vice president for growth and government affairs. From Lime, I welcome Mr. Hal Stevenson, public affairs manager for the UK and Ireland.
All 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 their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction. For witnesses attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus, 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 who is physically present does. Witnesses participating in this 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 complex to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts of Leinster House will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I would ask any member partaking via MS Teams to confirm, prior to making his or her contribution to the meeting, that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.
Members and all those in attendance in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility in protecting themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. I ask the witnesses to limit their presentations to approximately three minutes. They will have to present a summary. This is to allow members to ask questions. The time for questions will also be limited.
I call Ms Springthorpe to make her opening statement.