John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, will brief the committee on the upcoming Telecommunications Council of Ministers meeting taking place in Brussels on 6 December and the Energy Council of Ministers meeting taking place on 12 December. On behalf of the committee I welcome the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, and his officials, Mr. Mark Griffin, Secretary General, Mr. Ken Spratt and Mr. Dave Hanley.

I draw witnesses' attention to the fact 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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 and they 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 also wish to advise that any submission or opening statements the witnesses have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's 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 House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I understand the Minister has another commitment and he has to leave by 10.45 a.m.