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

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to engage with officials from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and representatives of the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, regarding poor mobile telephone and broadband coverage. On behalf of the committee, I welcome from the Commission for Communications Regulation, Mr. Kevin O'Brien, chairperson, Mr. Jeremy Godfrey, commissioner, and Mr. George Merrigan; and Ms Katherine Licken, assistant secretary, Mr. Fergal Mulligan, Mr. Patrick McCarthy and Mr. Patrick Neary from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
I draw the witnesses' attention to the fact that, by virtue of 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. However, if they are directed by it 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 and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also advise that any submission or opening statements they have made 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 Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I propose that the committee hears from ComReg first and from the departmental officials second. Is that agreed? Agreed. I invite Mr. Kevin O'Brien of ComReg to make his opening remarks.