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

I welcome the following representatives from KPMG to the meeting to discuss the national broadband plan: Ms Michele Connolly, head of corporate finance and lead partner on the national broadband plan; Mr. Robert Costello, director; and Mr. Chris Rainbird, director.

I draw the 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 Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, 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 or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I advise the witnesses that any submission or opening statement they have made 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 to turn off their mobile phones or to switch them to flight mode as they interfere with the sound system.

I call Ms Connolly to make her opening statement.