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

I wish to draw 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 they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they 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 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 that any submission or opening statements 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 outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I remind members, guests and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or to switch them to flight mode as they interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for the parliamentary reporters to report on the meeting, and they adversely affect television coverage and web streaming.

I welcome to the Gallery the students from St. Fintan's High School, Sutton, who are considering tackling the issue of renewable energy. The focus is on solar-powered schools. The students would have liked to have been present at our meeting on solar energy so we will forward them the transcript of that meeting. I wish them every success and congratulate them on their endeavours.

This meeting is to scrutinise the waste reduction Bill 2017. I welcome Mr. Vincent Jennings of the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association, and Mr. Matt Collins, assistant secretary at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, who is in attendance to answer any policy questions that may arise.