Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are resuming the hearings on the topic of land use and maximising land potential. I welcome from the Environmental Protection Agency, Mr. Phillip O'Brien, Dr. Jonathan Derham and Dr. Eimear Cotter, and from Teagasc, Dr. Rogier Schulte, who is welcome back, and Dr. Daire Ó hUallacháin. I thank the witnesses for coming before the committee today to brief us on land use and maximising the potential of land throughout Ireland. I propose to call the representatives from the EPA first and then Teagasc.

Before we begin I bring to the attention of the witnesses that they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in respect of a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses 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 or make charges against a person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I invite Dr. Derham to make an opening statement.