Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 12 January 2017

Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services

Irish Water and Commission for Energy Regulation

2:00 pm

Photo of Pádraig Ó CéidighPádraig Ó Céidigh (Independent) | Oireachtas source

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 joint committee. If, however, they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, 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 and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statements submitted 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 outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

At the request of the broadcasting and recording services, members, delegates and those in the Visitors Gallery are requested to ensure that for the duration of the meeting their mobile phones are turned off completely or switched to airplane, safe or flight mode, depending on the device used and not left in silent mode.

We will consider the funding and maintenance of and investment in water services. To assist us in our consideration of these matters I welcome from Irish Water Mr. Michael McNicholas, Mr. Jerry Grant and Mr. Cathal Marley and from the Commission for Energy Regulation Dr. Paul McGowan, commissioner; Ms Sheenagh Rooney, Ms Aoife Crowe and Dr. John Orme.

I invite Mr. McNicholas and Mr. Grant to make their presentation.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.