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

I remind members to turn off their mobile telephones. The purpose of the meeting is to engage in a discussion on EU energy policy with Mr. Eric Mamer, deputy head of cabinet in the office of Mr. Günther Oettinger, the EU Commissioner for Energy. The meeting has been arranged as part of Europe Week in the Oireachtas as a means of greater promotion of and engagement with European affairs. A meeting on the topic of European energy policy is particularly pertinent given the committee's proposal to undertake a series of meetings on the possibilities for renewable energy in Ireland. It would be very helpful to place that discussion in an EU context.
On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Eric Mamer. I draw the attention of those attending 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 the committee. However, they are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and 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. Opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on our 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 either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I ask Mr. Mamer to make his opening remarks.