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

I welcome, from the Regional Internet Service Providers Association, RISPA, Mr. Marcus Matthews, managing director; Mr. James O'Sullivan, director of Whizzy Internet; Mr. John Gartlan, director of Net1; Mr. Gurmukh Neote, director of BBnet; and Mr. Martin List-Petersen, director of Airwire.

Before we begin, I draw their attention 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 Chair 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 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. Any submission or opening statement witnesses have made to the committee will be published on the committee's 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 members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or put them in flight mode as they interfere with our sound system. I invite Mr. Matthews to make his opening statement.