Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are meeting the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, in respect of its 2017 financial statements. We joined from the EPA by Ms Laura Burke, director general, who is accompanied by Mr. Gerard O'Leary, Dr. Tom Ryan and Mr. Dan Harney. The representatives from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment are Ms Caroline Lyons and Ms Aoife Byrne.

I remind members, witnesses and those in the Public Gallery that all mobile phones should be switched off entirely or put on airplane mode, as merely putting them on silent will interfere with the recording mechanism.

I advise the witnesses 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 the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee - that means me - 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 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.

Members are reminded of the provisions of Standing Order 186 to the effect that the committee should refrain from inquiring into the merits of a policy or policies of the Government, a Minister or the merits of the objectives of such policies. While we expect witnesses to answer questions asked by the committee clearly and with candour, they can and should expect to be treated fairly and with respect and consideration at all times in accordance with the witness protocol.

I invite Mr. McCarthy to make his opening statement.