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

I advise members to turn off their mobile phones because they interfere with the broadcasting technology.

We will proceed with our consideration of the heads of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2013. Under section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. However, if a witness is directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continues to do so, he or she is entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of his or her evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person, persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. They are asked to read the document which was circulated to them on privilege.

Members are fully aware 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 also insist on members restricting their contributions to questions, as they have done up to now. Each member may speak only once in each section.

I welcome our first guest this morning, Mr. Barry O’Flynn, director and lead adviser on environmental finance at Ernst & Young. I remind delegates not to read their opening statements which have been circulated to members of the committee and will be taken as read.