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

The purpose of the meeting is to engage with Bord Gáis Energy, Energia, Electric Ireland and SSE Airtricity on the cost of electricity and gas to consumers in order to establish why prices do not appear to have fallen in line with the fall in crude oil and gas prices. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Mr. Dave Kirwan from Bord Gáis Energy, Mr. Tom Gillen and Mr. Gary Ryan from Energia; Mr. Jim Dollard and Mr. Paul Stapleton from Electric Ireland and Mr. Stephen Wheeler and Mr. David Manning from SSE Airtricity.

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 they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter to only 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also advise them that any submission or opening statement made to the committee will be published on its 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 or persons outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on Mr. Kirwan to make his presentation.