Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to advise members that this meeting is being carried live on Virgin Media channel 207, eirVision channel 504 and Sky channel 574. Members are requested to switch off their mobile phones or to airplane safe or flight mode, depending on their device. All sittings are broadcast on the channels in a replay loop over the following week. Any sound interference affects the broadcast, whether it is live or a replay. Apologies have been received from the Chairman, Deputy John O'Mahony. I believe the Vice Chairman shall arrive shortly.

I welcome the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Alex White. The purpose of this afternoon's meeting is to hear from him about the forthcoming EU Council of Energy Ministers' meeting that will take place in Brussels on 26 November. On behalf of the committee, I welcome him and his officials to the meeting.

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. If witnesses are directed by the Chairman 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. 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. Any submission or opening statements witnesses have made to the committee will be published on the committee website after the meeting.

I remind members 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 either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The Minister is under a time constraint and, therefore, I hope to limit the meeting to a maximum of one hour, with the agreement of members. I call on the Minister to make his opening statement.