Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Peter Coyle, chairman of the Marine Renewables Industry Association, MRIA; Mr. Brendan Barry, emerging technologies manager of the ESB; Mr. Harvey Applebe, ocean energy manager, UK and Ireland, Vattenfall; Mr. Neil Davidson, public affairs manager, Aquamarine Power; and Dr. Anne Marie O'Hagan, technical adviser to the MRIA. I thank the witnesses for their attendance here today.

I wish to advise the witnesses that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and continues to do so, the witness is entitled thereafter only to a 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 or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Their opening statements or any other documentation they have this afternoon may be published on the committee website after the meeting.

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 either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on Mr. Coyle to address our meeting.