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

I welcome Mr. Denis O'Sullivan, managing director of Gas Networks Ireland, GNI, and Mr. Brendan Murphy, commercial and regulatory director with Ervia.

By virtue by of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. They are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that where possible they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also advise them that their submissions and opening statements made to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting.

I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her or it identifiable. I ask that members and witnesses turn off their mobile phones or switch them onto flight mode.

I now invite Mr. O'Sullivan to make his opening statement.