Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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We will examine the 2017 annual report of the Comptroller Auditor General and appropriation accounts: Vote 29 - Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment; Chapter 8, which deals with matters relating to cybersecurity, and Chapter 9, which deals with the energy efficiency national fund. We will also cover matters related to the national broadband plan to date. In order to provide structure for today's meeting, we will take all matters relating to cybersecurity in the afternoon when we will be joined by representatives from An Garda Síochána and the Department of Defence, both of which have a role in this matter but may not be involved in the general discussion on the Vote.

We are joined from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment by Mr. Mark Griffin, Secretary General, Mr. Ciarán Ó hÓbáin, Mr. Michael Manley, Ms Finola Rossi, Mr. Richard Browne, Ms Barbara Leeson, Ms Aoife Byrne and Ms Catherine McGinty. We are also joined from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform by Ms Mary Austin.

I remind members, witnesses and those in the public gallery to switch off all mobile phones or place them in airplane mode as leaving them in silent mode can interfere with the recording system.

I advise the witnesses 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. If they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and 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 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.

Members are reminded of the provisions within Standing Order 186 that the committee shall also refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such policies

While we expect witnesses to answer questions put by the committee clearly and with candour, they can and should expect to be treated fairly and with respect and consideration at all times, in accordance with the witness protocol.

We will take the Comptroller and Auditor General's opening statement first.