Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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We are now in public session and I thank people for their patience. We will now discuss the "RTÉ Investigates" programme that aired on 5 June 2019. I welcome the following representatives from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU: Dr. Paul McGowan, chairperson; Ms Karen Trant, director of energy networks and legal; Mr. Robert O'Rourke, electricity networks manager.

Before we begin, I draw their attention 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 joint committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, 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 are 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. Any submission or opening statement witnesses 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. Once again, I remind members to turn off their mobile telephones or place them in flight mode.

I invite Mr. McGowan to make his opening statement.