Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

No apologies have been received. This meeting is part of the committee’s continuing examination of broadband and phone connectivity and related matters. The committee is particularly interested in discussing the national broadband plan, regional and rural access to broadband, the roll-out of the Eir’s fibre broadband network in Ireland, the handling of customer requests and complaints by Eir, and the difficulties posed by Covid-19. This discussion also relates to fixed line, mobile and broadband fibre connectivity. I welcome to today’s meeting Ms Carolan Lennon, chief executive of Eir, and Mr. Edward Storey, director of strategy and corporate communications at Eir.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that 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, or to engage otherwise in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if the statement of a witness is potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, the witness will be directed to discontinue these remarks. It is imperative to comply with any such direction.

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

I call Ms Lennon, CEO of Eir, to make her opening statement on behalf of Eir.