Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This afternoon we engage with officials from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications to examine expenditure on the national broadband plan in the context of the 2020 appropriation accounts for Vote 29 - Environment, Climate and Communications. The Department has been advised that the committee may wish to examine the following matters related to the expenditure on the national broadband plan during the course of the engagement: the impact of the pandemic on delivery; NBI's financial structures; the current progress and timelines; subcontracting arrangements; and penalty clauses in the contract.

We are joined in the committee room by the following officials from the Department: Mr. Mark Griffin, secretary general, who is very welcome; Mr. Ciarán Ó hÓbáin, assistant secretary; Mr. Fergal Mulligan, national broadband plan programme manager; Mr. Patrick Neary, chief technical officer; and Ms Barbara Leeson and Ms Louise Carrigan, both of whom are principal officers in the Department. We are joined remotely from within the precincts of Leinster House by Mr. Ken Cleary, principal officer in the environment climate and communications Vote section at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. They are all very welcome.

When we begin to engage, I ask those who are attending remotely to mute themselves when not contributing so that we do not pick up any background noise or feedback. As usual, I remind people to have their mobile phones on silent or switched off.

Before we start, for the benefit of this afternoon's witnesses, I wish to explain the limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references a witness may make to other persons in their evidence. As they are within the precincts of Leinster House, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation that they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything that they may say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse his privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure that is not abused. Therefore, if a witness’s statement is essentially pharmacy to in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed by me to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply.

Members are again reminded of the provision of Standing Order 218 that the committee shall refrain from enquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of Government or a Minister of the Government for the merits of the objectives of such policies. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person outside the House or in official either by name in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

We are joined by Mr. Seamus McCarthy, Comptroller and Auditor General, and I now call on him for his opening statement.