Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Public petition No. P00021/22 is on the Kiltimagh water scheme from Mr. Thomas Carney. Our next order of business is engagement on that public petition, which will be split into two sessions. In the first session from 1.45 p.m. to 2.45 p.m., we will hear from Mr. Thomas Carney, petitioner and campaigner, Kiltimagh and Cleragh-Lisduff group water scheme, and Mr, Alan Ivers, campaigner. In the second session from 2.45 p.m. to 4.15 p.m., we will have from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Mr. Douglas Kelly, principal officer, and Mr. Luke Varley, assistant principal officer, rural water unit. We will have representatives from Mayo County Council, namely, Mr. John Condon, director of services, Mr. Michael McDermott, senior executive engineer and Ms Bernadette Bourke, executive engineer, rural water programme. Representatives from Uisce Éireann here today are Mr. Des Joyce, water treatment asset planning manager, and Mr. Dermot Phelan, connections delivery manager.

Before we start, I will explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. Witnesses who are to give evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. They 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 to 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 regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Before we hear from our witnesses, I propose we publish their opening statements on the committee's website. Is that agreed? Agreed.

On behalf of the committee, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the witnesses from the Kiltimagh and Cleragh-Lisduff group water scheme who are attending virtually. Mr. Carney and Mr. Ivers will read out their opening statements. I suggest that Mr. Carney make his opening statement for approximately ten minutes and then Mr. Ivers will follow. We will then have questions and comments from members, each of whom will have approximately ten minutes. That should allow members to come back in on a second round of questions.

I call Mr. Carney to make his opening statement.