Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

We have received apologies from Deputy Eamon Scanlon.

I am delighted that we are going to engage with representatives from Coimisiún na Meán, which is designated as a digital service co-ordinator under the Digital Services Act. This is one of the most significant EU legislative measures in recent years. Under our work programme, this committee is examining the Act's impacts, with a particular focus on online safety, digital regulation and governance, and increasingly advanced AI-generated context.

We are joined by Dr. John Evans, digital services commissioner; Mr. Wayne Moroney, director of platform supervision; and Mr. Tiernan Kenny, director of communications and public affairs at Coimisiún na Meán. They are very welcome. I thank them for giving us their time.

Before we begin, there is a note on privilege - I am sure they are already aware of this, but we will go through it anyway - and housekeeping matters. Witnesses are 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 or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members 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. We do not have any members attending online, so we do not need go through to provisions in relation to joining online.

I invite Dr. Evans to deliver his opening statement. He has five minutes. I ask him to keep to the time if possible. I will then open the floor to members.