Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This meeting will conduct a review of Ireland's electricity grid development strategy 2017 and the proposed Celtic Interconnector in the context of Brexit. I welcome Mr. Fintan Slye, chief executive of EirGrid; Mr. John Fitzgerald, executive director, grid development and interconnection; and Ms Rosemary Steen, executive director, external affairs.

I remind members and delegates to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode as they interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for the parliamentary reporters to report the proceedings of 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 joint committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman 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. I also advise them that any submission made or 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.

I welcome the witnesses and invite Mr. Slye to make his opening statement.