Helen McEntee (Meath East, 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 prior to the publication of the minerals development Bill 2014 in order to gain an appreciation of the complexity, scale and scope of the draft Bill. On behalf of the committee I welcome Mr. Frank Sheridan and Mr. Brian Breslin from the exploration and mining division of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and two other colleagues.

I wish to draw the attention to the fact 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 witnesses are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses 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 or make charges against any person, persons, or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I wish to advise also that any submission or opening statements witnesses 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 either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Frank Sheridan to make his opening remarks.