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

We are now in public session. I welcome everyone to the meeting, the aim of which is discuss with representatives of the Telecommunications and Internet Federation, TIF, and the Irish Cellular Industry Association, ICIA, and with services providers the issues of poor broadband and mobile telephone coverage. Members will recall that we met officials from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and ComReg to discuss this matter on 8 October. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Torlach Denihan, director, TIF-ICIA; Dr. Gary Healy, vice-chair, TIF-ICIA; Mr. Mark Hughes, from 3 and O₂; Ms Mairead Cullen from Vodafone Ireland; Mr. Pat Galvin from Eircom; and Mr. Ger Woods from UPC Ireland.
I draw 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 on a particular matter and continue to so do, 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 nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statement and any other documents witnesses have submitted to the committee 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 invite Mr. Denihan to make his opening remarks now. I should point out to him that his presentation has already been given to committee members and, in that context, I urge him to be as brief as possible so that we can devote more time to the question and answer session which will be the real meat of this meeting.