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

I wish to draw attention to the fact that 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 committee. However, if 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 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. Any submission or opening statement they make to the committee will be published on the committee 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 remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones as they adversely affect television coverage and web streaming and interfere with the sound system, which makes it difficult for parliamentary reporters to report the meeting.

The committee has agreed to forward correspondence from IrelandOffline to the Department and the Minister for written reply.

I welcome officials from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. Their presentation has been circulated to members in advance of the meeting and I intend to commence the meeting by inviting them to address the outstanding questions posed by members at the meeting of 8 February. I call on Mr Ó hÓbáin.