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

We will now discuss environmental destruction issues in light of the "RTÉ Investigates" programme into the increasing problem of illegal dumping in Ireland, with particular reference to Donegal.

I wish to draw the witnesses' 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 joint committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and 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 asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I advise that any submission or opening statement made to the committee will be published on its website after the 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 and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system and our televised broadcasting service. They should switch them to flight mode.

I welcome our witnesses. They are here to engage with the joint committee on illegal dumping and environmental issues. I advise the witnesses that they should refrain from commenting on any ongoing court proceedings. We have a limited time for this session. We have agreed to conclude at 3 p.m. because we have a meeting of the special committee on climate change later this afternoon. If some of the questions are not answered by the time we conclude proceedings, the witnesses might submit written replies to the committee in respect of them. I ask the witnesses to be as brief as possible in making their opening statements because it will allow members more time to engage with them; members have read their written statements.

From the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, I welcome Mr. Gerard O'Leary, deputy director general, Ms Mary Gurrie, programme manager, and Mr. Mick Henry, senior inspector. From Donegal County Council I welcome Mr. Seamus Neely, chief executive, Mr. Michael McGarvey, director of services for water and environment, and Mr. Sean Scott, waste enforcement regional lead authority and Leitrim County Council. From Offaly County Council I welcome Mr. Sean Murray, director of services for water services, environment and the national waste collection permit office.

I invite Mr. O'Leary from the EPA to make his presentation.