Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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I have received no apologies other than from the Chair, Deputy Leddin, who asked me to substitute in his place in lieu of the Vice Chair, who is also unavailable. I hope that is acceptable to members.

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to have a discussion on the large energy users rebalancing subvention. On behalf of the committee, I welcome from the Department of the Environment, Climate Action and Communications, the Minister of State, Deputy Ossian Smyth; from the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, Mr. Jim Gannon, Ms Aoife MacEvilly, Dr. Karen Kavanagh and Mr. John Melvin; and from ESB Networks, Mr. Eddie Byrne and Mr. Nicholas Tarrant.

I remind witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice that witnesses 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 witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction. For witnesses attending remotely - I am not sure we have any this morning - or outside the Leinster House campus, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege. As such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses physically present do.

Members shall be 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 the meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I ask all members prior to making their contribution to the meeting, if they are joining online, that they confirm that they are, indeed, on the grounds of Leinster House.

I remind everyone present to please turn off their phones as it will interfere with the recording and transmission capacity of the Oireachtas.

I call on the Minister of State, Deputy Smyth, to make his opening statement.