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

I welcome the officials from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Mr. Matthew Collins, assistant secretary, natural resources and waste policy; and Mr. Eoin Deegan, assistant principal. We also have witnesses from the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA: Dr. Tom Ryan, director, office of environmental enforcement; Ms. Mary Gurrie, programme manager; and Mr. Pat Byrne, senior inspector.

Before we begin, I have to 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 this 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 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. 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 or her identifiable. I also wish to advise the witnesses that any submission or opening statement made to the committee will be published on the committee's 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 by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.