Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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I will start with a few notes on public health arrangements. The proceedings of our Oireachtas committees will be conducted without the requirement for social distancing, with normal capacity in the committee rooms restored. However, committees are encouraged to take a gradual approach to this change. Members and witnesses have the opportunity to attend today's meeting in the relevant committee room or online via Microsoft Teams. All those attending the committee room and environs should continue to wash their hands properly and often and to avail of sanitisers outside and inside the committee rooms, be respectful of other people's physical space and practise good respiratory etiquette. If they have any Covid symptoms, no matter how mild, they should not attend in the committee meeting room. Members and all in attendance are asked to exercise personal responsibility in protecting themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. Members participating remotely are required to participate from within the Leinster House complex, as they are all fully aware. Apologies have been received only from Deputy Shanahan so far.

Today we will look at fuel cost issues and price practices related to fuel. Recent weeks have seen a rise in the cost of fuel, which has affected motorists throughout the country. These cost increases are affecting transport companies in their ability to provide services to the wider public. The current price of fuel has brought into light the matter of fuel retail, including competition compliance issues, while the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, CCPC, has received a significant number of complaints about the increase in fuel prices. I am pleased to have the opportunity to consider this matter today and to assist the committee in this regard. From the CCPC, I welcome Mr. Jeremy Godfrey, Mr. Brian McHugh, Mr. Seán Murphy and Ms Gráinne Griffin.

Before we start, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses in respect of reference witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that 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 or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of a person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

The opening statement of the CCPC has been circulated to all members. To commence our consideration of this matter, Mr. Godfrey will make opening remarks on behalf of commission.