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

I welcome Dr. Brian Motherway, chief executive officer, and Mr. Matthew Clancy, energy modelling specialist, from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI. They are with us today to inform the committee about developments in sustainable energy structures, technologies and practices, in particular in the area of renewable energy.

I wish to draw attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They 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 or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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.

I also wish to advise the witnesses that the opening statements they make to the committee today and the proceedings of this meeting will be published on the committee website. I now invite Dr. Motherway of the SEAI to make his presentation.