Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I 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 the 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 advise witnesses that any submission or opening statement they make to the committee will be published on its 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind witnesses and members to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system. I welcome the witnesses for our discussion on issues relating to broadband installation. I propose that the main witnesses will speak for five minutes each and we will then take contributions from members. Is that agreed? Agreed.

We are joined by Mr. Ronan Lupton, chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators, ALTO; Mr. Liam O'Brien, director of strategy and external affairs at Vodafone; Mr. Kevin Barrins, director of wholesale and regulatory strategy at Sky Ireland, and; Mr. John O'Dwyer, head of regulation at BT Ireland. I invite Mr. Lupton to make his presentation.