John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of the meeting is to engage with regional anti-pylon community groups in respect of EirGrid's proposal to install overhead power lines when upgrading the electricity transmission network and the impact this might have on communities. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the witnesses. One grouping comprises Ms Helena Fitzgerald of Save Our Heartland, Carlow, Mr. John McCusker of Comeragh Action Pylon Group, and Mr. Peter Smith of Save County Tipperary Anti-Pylon Group. Mr. Owen Bannigan, Mr. Nigel Hillis and Ms May Marron represent Monaghan Anti-Pylon Committee and Mr. Cian Moloney represents Action D9. Ms Ann Murphy is delayed in traffic and will be appearing shortly.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give this committee. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence.

They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise that any submission or opening statements the witnesses have submitted to the committee 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Each of the three groups will make an opening statement of approximately seven minutes, which will then be followed by a question and answer session in which members will seek to tease out the issues involved. This is not about restricting the witnesses' time; we give as much as time as possible when members engage through questions. They will be allowed to make any points they wish to make this morning, either in their presentations or in answering questions. This is an opportunity for them to put their concerns on the public record and for the members to be aware of them. As public representatives, we all have been involved in this issue in our own areas over recent weeks and months. Some of the groups in Meath, Tyrone and Monaghan have been dealing with this issue for a number of years. This is about dealing with the issue and putting people's concerns and frustrations on the record.

I would now like to call on the spokespersons for the Waterford, Tipperary and Carlow groups to make their opening remarks.