An Cathaoirleach:Apologies have been received from Senator Alison Comyn. Today's meeting has been convened with officials from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and representatives from the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, to discuss communications regulation and network resilience.

I welcome the witnesses to committee room 1 and we thank them very much for being here today. I emphasise that. From the communications division of the Department we have Patrick Neary, assistant secretary for communications; Mr. Clive Ryan, director of digital connectivity office, communications division; Dr Tim Forde, chief technology officer at the strategy development and business management unit; Mr. Ian Price, principal officer, postal, Internet and emergency planning unit; and Mr. Ronan Daly, assistant principal, communications emergency planning. From ComReg, I welcome Mr. Garrett Blaney, chairperson; Ms Barbara Delaney, director of retail and consumer services; Mr. Donal Leavy, director of wholesale; and Mr. George Merrigan, director of market framework.

The format of today's meeting is such that I will invite the witnesses to deliver an opening statement, which is limited to five minutes. Statements will then be followed by questions from the members of the committee. As the witnesses are probably aware, the committee may publish the opening statements on the website. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Before we move to the discussion, I wish to clarify some limitations relating to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses make to other persons 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 in respect of the presentations they make to this committee. This means they have an absolute defence against defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. However, they are expected not to abuse this privilege, and is my duty as Chair to ensure they do not abuse this. 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 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. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I now invite Mr. Neary to make his opening statement.