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

Our seventh group, Stop Climate Chaos, will be the final witnesses today. I welcome Ms Monica Gorman, programme support and development officer at Oxfam Ireland, Mr. Sorley McCaughey, head of policy and advocacy at Christian Aid Ireland, and Mr. Gavin Harte, from the Stop Climate Chaos secretariat.

By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, 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 nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. They are asked to read the document relating to privilege which has been circulated to them. The opening statements have been circulated and should be considered as read. I call on Mr. McCaughey to address the committee.