Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 11 October 2018

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Broadband Service Provision: Discussion (Resumed)

2:00 pm

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

I wish to draw witnesses' attention 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 the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

The opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on the committee's website after the meeting.

Members are reminded of the long-standing practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I also ask members to turn off their mobile phones.

I welcome from the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, Mr. Jeremy Godfrey, commissioner, Mr. Donal Leavy, director of wholesale and Ms Barbara Delaney, director of retail and consumer services. I ask Mr. Godfrey to make his opening statement, which the committee has already received.

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