Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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I welcome Ms Aoife MacEvilly, chairperson, Dr. Paul McGowan and Mr. Jim Gannon, Commission for Regulation of Utilities; and Mr. Mark Foley, chief executive officer; Mr. Rodney Doyle, chief operations officer; and Ms Suzanne Collins, head of public relations, EirGrid.

I remind our guests of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

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 members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I ask that prior to making their contributions to meeting, members confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I invite Ms MacEvilly to make her opening statement.