Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the officials to the discussion on the development at Hinkley Point C power plant.

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.

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 also wish to advise witnesses that any submissions or opening statements they have forwarded to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting.

I welcome the witnesses to the meeting today to engage with the joint committee on developments at Hinkley Point C. I propose that the main witnesses speak for no more than five minutes. If they wish to share speaking time, they may indicate this to me at the start. The presentations will be followed by a question and answer session during which each member may ask a question not exceeding three minutes. I ask committee members to wait until the presentation has concluded before putting their questions. I must apologise firstly for the long delay. Unfortunately, due to votes and the previous item running over, we are very late. I apologise for the inconvenience, and I look forward to hearing the witnesses' presentations.