Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind members, staff, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery to turn off their mobile phones because they interfere with the sound system.

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. It is proposed that any submissions, opening statements or other documents supplied by the witnesses to the committee for this meeting be published on the website of the committee. Is that agreed? Agreed.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome to this meeting to discuss the smart community initiative and Grow Remote: the Minister of State at the Departments of Rural and Community Development and Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Canney, who has special responsibility for natural resources, community affairs and digital development; Ms Caroline Henry, assistant principal officer at the national digital strategy unit of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment; Mr. Jake Ryan, assistant principal at the Department of Rural and Community Development; Mr. Johnny Gorman, higher executive officer at the regional telecommunications development unit of the Department of Rural and Community Development; and, from Grow Remote, Ms Tracy Keogh, co-founder, and Mr. Paul Ellingstad, chapter lead. I call on the Minister of State to make his opening statement.