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

I welcome the representatives from Eir to discuss the national broadband plan. They are Ms Carolan Lennon, chief executive officer, and Mr. Edward Storey, director of strategy and corporate communications. 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 joint committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman 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, either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Any submission or opening statement made to the committee will be published on it's website after the 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 delegates and members to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode as they interfere with the sound system, even when left in silent mode.

I ask Ms Lennon to make her opening statement.