Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I apologise but I must leave at 11 a.m. The witnesses can thank their colleagues because the Women's Infrastructure Network is having its first chapter meeting in Ireland today and I have been asked to speak at it. They are getting off the hook because of that, so they should thank them for that.

Members are required to participate in the meeting remotely from within the Leinster House complex only. I remind all those in attendance to ensure their mobile phones are switched off or on silent mode.

I welcome the witnesses who are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentations they make to the committee. This means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege and it is my duty, as Cathaoirleach, to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or entity outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The committee will now consider utility connections in rural areas and on our islands. In a recent historic meeting of this joint committee ar Árainn Mhór, it was demonstrated very clearly to us the impact of water and electricity connections in rural areas and the difficulties often for those in remote areas and on our offshore islands.

There are brilliant strides being made on connectivity and with the utility connections in place it will be possible for the islands to become climate neutral and a net provider of energy to the mainland. However, in order to realise these aims, it is essential utilities are available and regularly serviced to ensure the island population is able to live, work and thrive on our offshore islands into the future.

From the Department of Rural and Community Development, I welcome Mr. Robert Nicholson, principal officer at the rural strategy and social enterprise unit, and Mr. Aodán Mac an Mhíle, principal officer at the islands unit. From the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications I welcome Mr. John Finnegan, principal officer and Mr. Brian Diskin, assistant principal officer. From the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, I welcome Mr. Jim Gannon, chairperson, Ms Aoife MacEvilly, commissioner, and Mr. Conor McEvoy, electricity networks manager. From ESB Networks we have Mr. Nicholas Tarrant, managing director, and Mr. Alan Rossiter, manager of customer and project delivery south. From Uisce Éireann we have Mr. Ted O'Reilly, asset planning manager, Mr. Des Joyce, water supply lead and Mr. Anthony Skeffington, regional operations manager. All are very welcome.

I invite Mr. Mac an Mhíle to make his opening statement.