Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile telephones as they interfere with the sound system.

I wish to draw the attention of witnesses to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on 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 or 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 them that any submission or opening statements they have made to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this 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 either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The first item on our agenda is the scrutiny of EU legislative proposals. COM (2016) 862 is a proposal for regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on risk preparedness in the electricity sector and repealing Directive 2005/89/EC. It is proposed that this proposal warrants further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed. The following COMs will be considered: COM (2016) 759 on energy union; COM (2016) 761 and Annex amending Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency (2030 targets); COM (2016) 767 on energy from renewable sources; COM (2016) 861 on the internal market for electricity; COM (2016) 862, a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on risk preparedness in the electricity sector and repealing Directive 2005/89/EC; COM (2016) 864 on the internal market for electricity; COM (2016) 863 on EU agency for the co-operation of energy regulators.