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

I welcome members and viewers who might be watching proceedings on Oireachtas television to the eighth public session of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action. We have received apologies from Deputy Martin Heydon.

On behalf of the committee I extend a warm welcome to Mr. John McElligott and Mr. Eddie Mitchell from Safety Before LNG; Ms Julia Walsh from Frack Action; Dr. Paul Deane from the MaREI Centre; Professor Barry McMullin, Dublin City University; and Professor Robert W. Howarth, who is joining us via video call from Cornell University in New York.

I wish to advise 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 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.

Members are reminded of the long-standing ruling of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I welcome Professor Robert Howarth, who is joining us via conference video call this afternoon. I invite him to make his opening statement.