Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We shall proceed to the second session on issues affecting the quality of water, boil water notices nationwide and the recent boil water notice affecting Dublin, Kildare and Meath.

From Irish Water, I welcome Mr. Niall Gleeson, Ms Katherine Walsh and Mr. Michael O'Leary; from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Mr. Feargal Ó Coigligh and Mr. David Flynn; and from Fingal County Council, Ms AnnMarie Farrelly and Mr. John Daly. I congratulate Ms Farrelly on her recent elevation.

I draw our guests' 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. If, however, they are directed to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 are 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.

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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Gleeson to make his opening statement.