Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the representatives from the Competition Authority, Ms Isolde Goggin, chairperson; Mr. Patrick Kenny, director of cartels division; and Mr. John Evans, manager. I welcome also the representatives from the National Consumer Agency, Ms Karen O'Leary, chief executive office and Mr. John Shine, director of commercial practices division. I thank them for attending today to brief the committee.

I remind the witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Ms Goggin to make her opening statement and Ms O'Leary to follow.