We are now in public session. I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or to switch them to flight mode as they interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for our parliamentary reporters to report on the meeting, as well as for television coverage and web streaming.
I draw witnesses' attention to the fact that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I also wish to advise that any submission or opening statements the witnesses make to the committee will be published on the committee's website after this meeting. 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 any official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.
I have received apologies from Deputies Dooley and Lawless and Senator McDowell.
We now move on to scrutiny of EU legislative proposals. COM (2016) 767 is proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and the Council on the promotion of the use of energy and renewable resources. It is proposed that this proposal warrants further scrutiny and it is further proposed that the committee seeks the views of the relevant stakeholders. Is that agreed? Agreed.
COM (2016) 861 is a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and the Council of the internal market for electricity. It is proposed that this proposal warrants further scrutiny and it is further proposed that the committee seeks the views of the relevant stakeholders. Is that agreed? Agreed.
COM (2016) 863 is a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and the Council establishing a European Union agency for the co-operation of energy regulators. It is proposed that this proposal warrants further scrutiny and it is further proposed that the committee seeks the views of the relevant stakeholders. Is that agreed? Agreed.
COM (2016) 864 is a proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and the Council on common rules for the internal market in electricity. It is proposed that this proposal warrants further scrutiny and it is further proposed that the committee seeks the views of the relevant stakeholders. Is that agreed? Agreed.
COM (2016) 759 is a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and the Council on the governance of the energy union amending directive. It is proposed that this proposal warrants further scrutiny and it is further proposed that the committee seeks the views of the relevant stakeholders. Is that agreed? Agreed.