Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We shall discuss the environmental issues likely to arise during the Irish EU Presidency January-June 2013 with Mr. Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for the Environment. I welcome Mr. Janez Potočnik, also Ms Barbara Nolan, head of representation, Mr. William Neale, member of cabinet, and Mr. Joe Hennon, spokesperson.

I draw to the attention of witnesses 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 the committee. However, if witnesses are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on 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 they 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 the opening statement and any other documents they have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting.

I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charge against a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Before the Commissioner begins I wish to say a few words. We are very much looking forward to our Presidency of the European Union in 2013. It is a great honour for us and a great opportunity for us to take the lead in developing many important policy areas, not least the whole issue of climate change. It is a significant issue and that is the reason I am delighted to have the Commissioner with us. It is an opportunity for members to engage with the Commissioner and identify how we can best approach the first six months of 2013. Climate change is the obvious big issue we face and is one that I hope, as Cathaoirleach of the committee, we can address when we invite the chairpersons of our corresponding committees from across the European Union to Dublin for a conference in May 2013. Thereafter, I am interested in being guided by the Commissioner on how best we can approach this. We look forward to the interaction between members of the committee and the Commissioner on how that will be achieved. I now invite Commissioner Potočnik to address the committee.