Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Good morning everyone. The purpose of today's meeting is to have a discussion in advance of COP28 which is taking place in Dubai. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Simon Murtagh, senior policy and research co-ordinator with Oxfam Ireland. Joining us online are Ms Fati N’Zi-Hassane, the Oxfam in Africa director, and Ms Ayan Harare, who is Oxfam in Africa's climate policy lead. From Trócaire, we are joined by Mr. Michael O'Brien, who is policy adviser, and from Christian Aid, we are joined by Mr. Conor O'Neill, head of policy and advocacy. We are also joined by Ms Karol Balfe, chief executive officer of Action Aid Ireland, and by Mr. Jerry MacEvilly, head of policy with Friends of the Earth.

Before we begin, I will read a note on privilege. I remind our guests of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction. Witnesses who are attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus should note that there are limitations to parliamentary privilege and as such they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present. Members of the committee are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should 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. Members of the committee are only allowed to participate in the meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. Accordingly, I ask those Members who are joining us via Microsoft Teams to confirm they are on the grounds of Leinster House before making their contribution to the meeting.

I now invite Ms N’Zi-Hassane to make an opening statement on behalf of Oxfam.