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

We will proceed with our consideration of the outline heads of the climate action and low carbon development Bill. Before we do I wish to complete some necessary procedures. With regard to the caution issued to witnesses referring them to section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, I propose that we give each witness a written version of this caution and that I read out the following shortened version.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence. However, if they are directed to cease giving evidence and continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege. Witnesses are directed to restrict their evidence to the subject matter of these proceedings and to respect parliamentary practice by not criticising or making charges against any person, persons or entity. Witnesses are asked to read the document which has been circulated to them concerning privilege. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Members are fully aware of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not 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 will not read this statement out each time. I also insist that members ask questions. I will not allow long introductions or policy statements. There is no need for each member to thank each individual witness for coming before the committee. Where members do this, they should please be advised that I will immediately intervene to ensure we have appropriate time to discuss specifics. Each member may speak on each section only once.

Given our tight schedule today, we have no choice but to move quickly. We have no spare time to allow for delays or unnecessary commentary. We are against the clock. We are here today to hear evidence from experts and not listen to members. We want to hear from the witnesses. Accordingly, the time allotted to each section will be strictly adhered to regardless of who has not put their questions. If one member takes too long, it will eat into the time of other members.

We have received documentation and an opening statement from the witnesses. We will ask them to give their views rather than read their opening statement. I call on Mr. Gabriel D'Arcy to address the committee.