Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are now in public session. Item 6 on the agenda is consideration of the water supply project, eastern and midland region. I would like to welcome to our second session today Ms Emma Kennedy of Kennedy Analysis and from Irish Water Mr. Jerry Grant, Ms Angela Ryan and Ms Claire Coleman and from Ervia Mr. Mike Quinn.

Before we begin I wish to draw the attention of members and witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009 that witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to 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, or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members and witnesses are reminded that under the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses, or an official either by name, or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her or it identifiable.

Senator Gabrielle McFadden is substituting for Senator Martin Conway and Deputy Mick Barry is substituting for Deputy Ruth Coppinger for this session.

I call on Ms Kennedy to make her opening statement.