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

We are now in public session. I draw the attention of witnesses 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 they are directed by the committee 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. Any submission or opening statements witnesses have made to the committee 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 House 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 or put them into flight mode.

I welcome our witnesses today. I propose that the main witnesses will speak for no more than five minutes. Those who are sharing time might please indicate this to me at the outset. The presentations will be followed by a questions-and-answers session with the committee members. I invite Mr. Brian Carroll, assistant secretary at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment to make his opening statement.