Tim Lombard (Fine Gael)
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I welcome the witnesses from the ESB Networks, Mr. John Emerson, Mr. Alan Rossiter and Mr. Nicholas Tarrant. I will go through the statutory process of reading out a note on privilege. Witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence given to the committee. This means that witnesses have a full defence in any defamation action against anything said in the committee. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed to cease giving evidence on the Chair's direction. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair regarding this.

Witnesses are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, as is reasonable, no adverse comment should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses giving evidence outside of the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter.

The witnesses are more than welcome. I ask them to outline their roles in ESB Networks and to make their opening statement.