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

We resume our discussion on matters arising from the "RTÉ Investigates" programme which aired on 5 June 2019. We have had engagements with both the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU, and the Electricity Supply Board, ESB, before the summer. I welcome the following representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, to this afternoon's meeting: Dr. Tom Ryan, director of the Office of Environmental Enforcement, OEE, Mr. Pat Byrne, senior inspector, Ms Mary Frances Rochford, programme manager, and Mr. Darragh Page, programme manager.

By virtue 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 on a particular matter and continue to so do, 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 comment on, criticise or make charges against any or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also advise them that any submission and opening statement made by them to the committee will be published on its website after the meeting.

I remind members 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 invite Dr. Ryan to make his opening statement.