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

No apologies have been received. We are continuing our discussion on access to the Internet, particularly in relation to rural and regional locations but also some urban locations and satellite Internet access. This is part of the committee's ongoing work on broadband. On behalf of the committee I welcome the following to today's meeting: from the National Space Centre, Mr. Rory Fitzpatrick, CEO; from Poynting Europe, Mr. Hugo Carvalho - I hope I am pronouncing the name correctly - sales account manager, and Mr. Tjeerd Huitema - he might tell me also if my pronunciation is correct; from Novatel Communications, Ms Niamh Cullen O'Reilly, managing director; and from Digiweb, Mr. Declan Campbell, managing director, and Mr. Brendan McGahon, head of operations. They are all most welcome. When they come to speak, Mr. Carvalho and Mr. Huitema might confirm whether the pronunciation of their respective surnames is correct.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or to otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. If the witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identified person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. For witnesses attending the meeting remotely outside of the Leinster House campus, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses physically present. Witnesses participating in this committee session from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised that they should also be mindful of how their domestic law might apply to the evidence they give.

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, by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of their constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the place which Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House or the Convention Centre Dublin, in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. I ask any member partaking via Teams to confirm that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus or prior to making a contribution to the meeting. I welcome anyone watching the meeting online. Oireachtas Members and witnesses are accessing the meeting remotely. I, as Chair, and staff essential to the running of the meeting are physically present in the committee room due to these unprecedented Covid times and circumstances. A large number of people are attending the meeting remotely so I ask for everyone's forbearance should any technical issues arise. I invite Mr. Fitzpatrick to make his opening statement. He has approximately five minutes. I thank the witnesses for their forbearance.