Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As we have a quorum of four members, I call the meeting to order. I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode as they interfere with the sound system, make it difficult for the parliamentary reporters to report the proceedings and affect television coverage and web streaming. Apologies have been received from Senator O'Reilly and Deputy Lowry. I propose that the committee considers EU scrutiny matters in public session and that, at the conclusion of public session, we will suspend proceedings for five minutes and resume in private session. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I draw the attention of witnesses 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 they continue to so do, they are 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 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. I also advise witnesses that any submission or opening statement they make 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 outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The first item of business is further scrutiny of COM (2016) 479 and COM (2016) 482.

I welcome from the Department of Communication, Climate Action and Environment Dr. John O'Neill, Mr. Eamon Coneferey and Mr. Colin O'Hehir; the Environmental Protection Agency Mr. Dara Lynott, Dr.Tom Ryan and Mr. Stephen Treacy, senior manager; the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland Dr. Eimear Cotter; the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Mr. Paul McKiernan, Mr. Eugene Hendrick and Mr. John Muldowney; and the Institute of International and European Affairs Mr. Joseph Curtin. I propose that the three main delegates speak for between five and ten minutes. There will then be questions or comments from members. Is that agreed? Agreed.