Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

We have a quorum. We have received apologies from Deputy Bruton, who is unable to attend today. The purpose of the meeting is for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU, to provide a general oversight to our committee. On behalf of the committee, I welcome from the CRU Ms Aoife MacEvilly, chairperson; Mr. Paul McGowan, commissioner; Mr. Jim Gannon, commissioner, Mr. John Melvin, director of security of supply and wholesale; Mr. Phil Hemmingway, director of decarbonisation; Ms Karen Kavanagh, director of networks and economic regulation; and Ms Karen Trant, director of customer policy and protection. They are all familiar faces and are welcome back to the committee.

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. If witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in regard to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members of the committee 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 Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members are allowed to participate in the meeting only if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. I ask members who are joining us online, prior to making their first contribution, to confirm they are in Leinster House.

I invite Ms MacEvilly to make her opening statement.