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

This is our first meeting following the summer recess. I welcome everyone to the meeting, especially our witnesses from National Broadband Ireland, NBI. No apologies have been received. Our session today will focus on the national broadband plan, NBP. The purpose of this meeting is to receive an update on the roll-out of the NBP. I welcome Mr. Peter Hendrick, chief executive officer - infrastructure; Mr. T.J. Malone, chief executive officer - deployment; and Ms Tara Collins, chief marketing officer at NBI. The NBP is of huge interest to this committee and representatives of NBI have appeared before us previously. We hope to continue our series of engagements. Broadband is top of the agenda for many people, particularly in rural areas.

All witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction. Witnesses attending remotely outside of the Leinster House campus should note that 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 who are physically present. Witnesses participating in this committee session from a jurisdiction outside the State are advised that they should also be mindful of their domestic law and how it may apply to 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 any person outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirement that in order to participate in public meetings they must be physically present within the confines of the place in which Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House and-the Convention Centre Dublin. Hopefully, we will not return to the latter at any stage. It is great to back in Leinster House. Reluctantly I will not permit members to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any members contributing via Microsoft Teams to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. Oireachtas Members and witnesses are accessing this meeting remotely and only I, as Chairman, and the necessary staff essential for the running of the meeting are physically present in the committee room. Due to these unprecedented circumstances and the large number of people attending the meeting remotely, I ask for everyone's forbearance should any technical issues arise.

I now invite Mr. Hendrick to make an opening statement on behalf of NBI. As our meeting is limited to two hours, Mr. Hendrick has only five minutes to make his opening statement. We are anxious to ask questions and have a discussion on the issues as quickly as possible.