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

I remind members to turn off their mobile phones. Apologies have been received from Deputies Noel Harrington, Seán Kenny and Michael Fitzmaurice and Senator Eamonn Coghlan. This meeting is being carried live on UPC channel 207, eVision channel 504 and Sky channel 574. The item for discussion is the single electricity market, SEM, committee regarding the North-South interconnector and the purpose of the meeting is to engage with the committee, the decision-making body which governs the wholesale electricity market for the island of Ireland, in respect of the North-South interconnector. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Ms Jenny Pyper, chair of SEM and chief executive officer of the utility regulator; Mr. Garrett Blaney, member of SEM and chairman of the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER; and Mr. Robert O'Rourke, CER. Initially, we requested the presence of Mr. Odd Håkon Hoelsæter but I understand he was not available. Perhaps Mr. Blaney will clarify that for us.

I draw the witnesses' 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. If they are directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, 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, her or it identifiable. I also remind witnesses that any submission or opening statements they have made to the committee will be published on the committee website following 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 invite Mr. Blaney to make his opening statement.