Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Both groups invited to this meeting were present when I drew their attention to the fact, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. Is it agreed that they understand the provisions related to privilege? Agreed.

I welcome Ms. Laura Burke, director general; Mr. Dara Lynott, deputy director general; Mr. Frank McGovern, climate change unit and Mr. Sean O'Donoghue, environmental licensing programme from the of the Environmental Protection Agency. I invite Ms Burke to make the presentation.