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

I welcome the witnesses from the following organisations who are appearing on behalf of the platform providers; Sky Ireland, Virgin Media Ireland, Eir, Vodafone Ireland and CIL Managment Consultants. Sky Ireland is represented by Mr. J.D. Buckley, managing director, and Mr. David Wheeldon, group director policy and public affairs. Mr. Tony Hanway, chief executive officer, and Ms Kate O'Sullivan, vice president of corporate affairs are representing Virgin Media Ireland. From Eir we have Mr. Richard Moat, chief executive officer, and Mr. Glen Killane, managing director of Eir TV and sports. Vodafone Ireland is represented by Mr. Liam O'Brien, director of strategy and external affairs, and Mr. Andrew Walsh, senior consumer content manager. From CIL Management Consultants we have Ms Tabitha Elwes, head of media, and Mr. Jon Zeff, director of media. The witnesses' opening statements and presentations have been circulated to the committee and will be published on the committee's website. I will go through some formal notices before we begin.

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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 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 also advise them that any submissions or opening statements which they have made will 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 either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I will call on the first witnesses from each organisation. I am conscious that we are tight on time and that we have already received many of the written submissions, so I ask the witnesses to make their main points only and then we will open discussion up to members of the committee.

We are a little tight on time. We have received the written submissions so I would ask the witnesses to make their main points and then I will invite members to ask questions. We will start with Mr. J.D. Buckley from Sky Ireland.