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

I welcome our witnesses. From Eirgrid we have Dr. Liam Ryan, executive director of grid development, and Mr. Arthur Moynihan who works in operations, planning and innovation. From the ESB, we have Mr. Peter O'Shea, head of corporate and regulatory affairs, and Dr. Fergal McNamara, manager of regulation and policy. From the Micro Electricity Generation Association we have Mr. Dudley Stewart, director, and Mr. Gene Hourihane, managing director of Sunstream Energy Solutions. From the Dublin Technological University we have Dr. Keith Sunderland, head of electrical services engineering and energy management.

Before we begin, I 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 Chairman 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 or 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 advise that submissions 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 remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode as they affect our sound system.

The format of the meeting will be that witnesses will be invited to make an opening statement of not longer than five minutes. I will indicate after four minutes so that witnesses know they have one minute remaining. The opening statements will be followed by questions from members.