Micheál Carrigy (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I advise members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. Today's meeting is on housing delivery, service and supply. A critical requirement for the mass delivery of housing and apartment schemes across the country is the infrastructure required to service future developments, including water, sewerage and electricity. Today I am pleased we have the opportunity to consider this and related matters with representatives from Uisce Éireann and ESB Networks. From Uisce Éireann I welcome Mr. Niall Gleeson, chief executive officer, Ms Margaret Attridge, head of water operations, and Ms Angela Ryan, asset strategy senior manager. From ESB Networks I welcome Mr. Nicholas Tarrant, managing director, and Mr. Alan Rossiter, head of strategy and network development.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as to references witnesses may make to another person in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present, or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts, is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. Witnesses are again reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements of Uisce Éireann and ESB Networks have been circulated to members. I propose that we publish the opening statements. Is that agreed? Agreed. I ask Mr. Tarrant and Mr. Gleeson to give a short summary of their opening statements.