Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party)
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The purpose of the meeting is to receive our regular update from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Jim Gannon, chairperson; Ms Aoife MacEvilly, commissioner; Mr. Paul McGowan, commissioner; Mr. John Melvin, director of security of supply and wholesale; Ms Karen Kavanagh, director of networks and economic regulation; and Ms Karen Trant, director of customer policy and protection. They have all been here before and are familiar faces.

Before we begin, I will read out the note on privilege. I remind our guests 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 the person or entity. If their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks, and it is imperative they comply with any such direction.

Members of the committee 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 those members joining us online that they are allowed to participate in the meeting only if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex, so I ask that they confirm that they are in the complex before making their contributions.

I will go now to Mr. Gannon for his opening statement.