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

I draw the attention of witnesses 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 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 advise witnesses that any opening submissions or opening statements they 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 outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode, as they interfere with the sound system.

I welcome all of our witnesses. I propose that the main witnesses speak for five minutes each. If the witnesses wish to share their speaking time, I ask them to indicate that before they speak. I will give an indication when a witness has one minute remaining.

The presentations will be followed by a question-and-answer session, during which each member may ask a question. I ask members to wait until all of the presentations have concluded before putting their questions. Our first witness is Mr. Brian Carroll from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.