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

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to engage with representatives of Gas Networks Ireland on the growth plans of the company and the potential benefits of the use of natural gas as a transport fuel. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Mr. Liam O'Sullivan, managing director of Gas Networks Ireland, Mr. Padraic O'Connell, head of regulation and corporate services, Mr. Denis O'Sullivan, head of commercial operations, and Ms Edwina Nyhan, head of finance.

I draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l)of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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. 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 advise them that any submissions or opening statements they have made to the committee may be published on the committee's website after this 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 ask Mr. O'Sullivan to make his opening statement.