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

We will undertake detailed scrutiny of the Just Transition (Worker and Community Environmental Rights) Bill 2018. I welcome to the meeting from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment Mr. Brian Carroll, assistant secretary, Mr. Michael Goodwin, principal officer, Mr. Jerry Higgins and Mr. Frank Maughan. From the Irish Congress of Trade Unions we have Mr. David Joyce and Mr. Macdara Doyle. From the Nevin Economic Research Institute we have Mr. Paul Goldrick-Kelly and from SIPTU we have Ms Yvonne O'Callaghan.

Before we continue I wish to draw your 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 this committee. However, if you are directed by the Chairman to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and you continue to so do, you are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of your evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, you 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. I also wish to advise you that any submissions or opening statements made to the committee will be published on the committee 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I will start by asking Mr. Brian Carroll from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment to make an opening statement.