Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 9 April 2014

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications

Developments in Renewable Energy Technologies and Practices: SEAI

9:30 am

Photo of John O'MahonyJohn O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for the delay, but some issues took longer to address than we expected.
This is a meeting with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, regarding the developments in renewable energy technologies and practices and the €13.5 million better energy communities fund. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Brian Motherway, chief executive, and Mr. Declan Meally.
I draw witnesses’ attention to the fact that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee.

However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 nor make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statement and any other documents witnesses have submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after the meeting. 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 now call on Dr. Brian Motherway to make his opening remarks.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.