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 wish to advise the witnesses that any submission or opening statements that 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.

I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with our sound system.

I welcome all of our witnesses here this afternoon. I propose that the main witnesses speak for a total of five minutes, and if witnesses wish to share their speaking time they might indicate that to me and I will allocate two and a half minutes each. The presentations will be followed by a question and answer session, and each member may ask a question not exceeding three minutes. I would also ask members to wait until all presentations have concluded. Is that agreed? Agreed.

The first witness is from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Mr. Kevin Brady, principal officer. He is head of the heat and transport energy policy division, and he is sharing time with Ms Anna O'Sullivan. Is that correct?