Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I wish to draw the attention of witnesses to the fact 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 this committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman 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 nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Any submissions or openings statements made to the committee will be published on the committee's web page 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. I remind witnesses and members to turn off their mobile phones or put them into flight mode as they interfere with the sound system.

I welcome from Eir Ms Carolan Lennon, chief executive officer and Mr. Gary Healy, director of regulatory and public policy. I now invite Ms Lennon to give her opening statement.