Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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To discuss the national broadband plan, from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment I welcome Mr. Ciarán Ó hÓbáin, assistant secretary; Mr. Fergal Mulligan, programme director, national broadband plan; Mr. Patrick Neary, chief technical officer; and Ms Ciara Kennedy, assistant principal officer, and Mr. Tom McCormack, national broadband plan division.

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 joint 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 any person 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 have made will be published on the committee's 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, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind delegates and members to turn off their mobile phones because they interfere with the sound and broadcasting systems, even when left in silent mode.

I invite Mr. Ó hÓbáin to make his opening statement.