John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before we begin I apologise to the witnesses for the delay in starting this part of the meeting but there were matters that had to be dealt with by members. I remind members, witnesses and those in the Gallery to turn off their mobile telephones because they interfere with the quality of the transmission of the meeting.

I advise witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a Member of either House, a person outside the House nor an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the provision within Standing Order 163 that the committee should also refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policies or policy of the Government or a Minister of the Government, or the merits or the objectives of such policies.

I welcome Mr. Aidan Dunning, Secretary General at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and invite him to introduce his officials.