Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We are in public session. I welcome everyone here today. They have come to assist the committee in considering the preservation of the biodiversity and ecosystems of peatlands. I am very pleased to welcome representatives from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dr. Ciarán O'Keeffe and Mr. Brian Lucan, who are both from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. I welcome Dr. Catherine Farrell, head of ecology, and Mr. Stuart Conaty, land and property manager, Bord na Móna. I welcome Dr. Catherine O'Connell, chief executive, Irish Peatland Conservation Council. Finally, I welcome Mr. Pádraic Fogarty, campaign officer, Irish Wildlife Trust.

Before inviting the witnesses to address the meeting I draw their attention 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 the evidence they give to the joint committee. If, however, they are directed by the committee 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. Witnesses 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. The opening statements and any other documents they have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee's website after the meeting.

Members of the committee 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.

To commence our discussion I call on Dr. Ciarán O'Keeffe and Mr. Brian Lucas from the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department to make an opening statement. I may take statements from other witnesses as well as we go along and then I will ask members if they have any questions to raise on these issues.