Pádraig 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. However, if they are directed by it 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. 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 statement 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, 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 merely left in silent mode.

Today's meeting will continue our consideration of funding domestic water and wastewater services. The meeting is in two parts. During the first part, we will hear from NewERA, which is part of the National Treasury Management Agency, NTMA, and is represented today by Ms Eileen Fitzpatrick, director, along with Mr. David Stokes and Mr. John Dillon. I am taking their submission has having been read by members. We decided that we will go into a question and answer session. The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government is represented by Ms Maria Graham, Mr. Patrick O'Sullivan and Mr. Colm Lavery. I invite members to put their questions, with Deputy Heydon first followed by Deputy Paul Murphy, or is Senator Coffey the first to speak?