Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We are now in public session and will begin our discussion of the decision by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, CRU, on the application by Mayo Renewable Limited for a high efficiency combined heat and power, HE CHP, plant certificate. I welcome Dr. Paul McGowan, chairman, Ms Aoife MacEvilly, commissioner, Ms Karen Trant, director of energy networks and Mr. John Melvin, director of energy markets, all of whom are representing the CRU.

I wish to draw the attention of witnesses 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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, 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 nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise that any submission or opening statements furnished to the committee will be published on the committee 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I ask everyone to turn off their mobile phones.

The format of the meeting will be that the witnesses make their opening statement, which should not be any longer than five minutes. I understand that they will also make a short presentation after which we will have a question and answer session, when each member may ask questions not exceeding three minutes. I ask members to wait until the presentations have concluded before putting questions to the witnesses. I now invite Dr. McGowan to make an opening statement on behalf of the CRU.