Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputies Christopher O'Sullivan and Alan Farrell who cannot join us today. The purpose of this part of our meeting is to have an engagement with Mr. Dermot Byrne, chairperson designate of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI. There will be one hour for this part of the meeting. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Byrne to the meeting and congratulate him on his appointment to the board of the SEAI.

I will read a note on privilege. I remind witnesses of the of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of that person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

For witnesses attending remotely outside the Leinster House campus there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege. As such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present does.

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 of the Oireachtas or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I also remind members that they are allowed to participate in this meeting only if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I also ask all members, prior to making their contributions to the meeting, to confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus. For the information of anyone watching this meeting online, Oireachtas Members and witnesses are accessing the meeting remotely. Only I, as Chair, and the staff essential to the running of the meeting are physically present in the committee room. Due to the unprecedented circumstances of Covid and the large number of people attending the meeting remotely, I ask everyone to bear with us should any technical issues arise.

I call Mr. Byrne to make his opening statement.