Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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We are now in public session. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss Government plans for the nationwide roll-out of broadband provision, as announced by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, under the heading Delivering a Connected Society - A National Broadband Plan for Ireland. I begin by welcoming our first group of witnesses, namely, Mr. Conal Henry, chief executive officer, and Mr. Niall Beirne, head of marketing, from e|net; and Mr. Maurice Fitzgerald of MKC Communications. Witnesses are advised that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if a witness is directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in regard to a particular matter and he or she continues to do so, that witness is entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of his or her evidence. Delegates are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Witnesses are further advised that the opening statements they have submitted will be published on the committee's website after the meeting.

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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I now invite Mr. Conal Henry of e|net to make his opening statement.