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

The purpose of the meeting is to engage with the representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency on the unconventional gas exploration and extraction joint research programme of the EPA. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Dara Lynott, deputy director, and Dr. Brian Donlon, research manager, of the EPA.

I wish to draw our guests' attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l)of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if witnesses are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Any submission or opening statements witnesses have made to the committee will be published on the committee website after this 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 or persons outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I ask Mr. Lynott to make his opening statement.