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

We are now in public session. I welcome members and those who may be watching our proceedings on Oireachtas TV. At the request of the broadcasting and recording services, I ask that members and visitors in the Public Gallery ensure that, for the duration of the meeting, their mobile phones are turned off completely or switched to flight mode, as they interfere with the broadcasting system.

I welcome representatives from the Irish Solar Energy Association, ISEA, Mr. David Maguire and Mr. Michael McCarthy, from Renewable Gas Forum Ireland, RGFI, Mr. P.J. McCarthy and Mr. Donal Dennehy, and from SuperNode, Mr. John Fitzgerald and Mr. Robert O’Connor.

I advise our guests 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. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of that evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected to 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 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 ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside of these Houses, or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

We will start with opening statements. I would be most grateful if our guests could limit their statements to five minutes, if possible. I invite Mr. Dennehy to make his opening statement.