Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will recommence our deliberations. This part of the meeting will involve a discussion with Coillte on maximising the usage and potential of land. I welcome Mr. Gerry Britchfield, acting chief executive, Mr. Gerry Egan, group director of strategy and corporate affairs, Mr. Gerard Murphy, managing director of Coillte Forest, and Mr. Mark Foley, managing director of Coillte Enterprise. As they are probably aware, the committee has commenced a series of meetings with key stakeholders and experts in order that they might assist it in examining the current policy relating to and options available in respect of land use and to consider how best to maximise land use and the potential of land across Ireland. We look forward to hearing from our guests about our forestry and its role in reducing the country's carbon footprint.

Before we commence, I wish to inform the witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. If, however, they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they will be 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 are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a Member of either House, a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I invite Mr. Britchfield to make his opening statement.