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

We have a quorum. I remind members of the usual guidance regarding mobile telephone technology. Apologies have been received from Senator Ned O'Sullivan.

We will now proceed with our consideration of the outline heads of the climate action and low carbon development Bill. I welcome the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, and his officials, Ms Geraldine Tallon, Secretary General; and Ms Caroline Lyons, assistant principal officer in the climate policy section. The Minister is well used to the caution in regard to witnesses, so we will proceed without it. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 invite the Minister to address the committee.