Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, Ms Mary Curtis, director of digital switchover, and Mr. Michael Keogh, network business manager, RTENL, who are here to discuss the switchover from analogue to digital television through the digital service, Saorview.

I wish to advise Ms Curtis and Mr. Keogh that the opening statements they submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website following this meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise nor make charges against a person outside of the Houses or an official in such way as to make him or her identifiable.

I now invite the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, to make his opening statement. On conclusion of the Minister's opening statement, I will invite Ms Curtis and Mr. Keogh to make their opening remarks.