John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of the meeting is to discuss with Mr. Fintan Slye, chief executive officer of EirGrid, its current work programme, the impact the construction of overhead power lines is having on or will have on communities and the economics of the energy market in general. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome Mr. Slye and his officials.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also advise that any submission or opening statement submitted to the committee will be published on its 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 Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on Mr. Slye to make his opening remarks.