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

I remind members to switch off mobile telephones. Apologies have been received from Deputies John O'Mahony and Terence Flanagan.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss with representatives of the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, the proposal by Eircom to reduce its wholesale line rental charges and ascertain whether such a measure would impact negatively on rural customers. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome from the Commission for Communications Regulation, Mr. Kevin O'Brien, commissioner, and Mr. Donal Leavy, director of the wholesale division.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give this committee. If a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continues to so do, the witness is entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of his or her evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise witnesses that any submission or opening statement they have submitted to the joint committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. O'Brien to make his opening statement.