Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Today, we are engaging with representatives from An Taisce regarding the climate action plan 2021 and its implications for the agriculture sector. The joint committee intends to draft a submission to the public consultation on the plan. I would like to welcome to the meeting the following representatives from An Taisce: Mr. Ruaidhrí O’Boyle, honorary secretary of An Taisce climate committee; and Mr. Ian Lumley, member of An Taisce climate committee, who are joining us from a witness room in Kildare House. They are both most welcome to the meeting.

We have received the witnesses' opening statement and briefing material, which has already been circulated to members. As we are limited in our time due to the Covid-19 safety restrictions, the committee has agreed that the opening statement will be taken as read so that we can use the full session for questions and answers. All opening statements are published on the Oireachtas website and are publicly available.

Before we begin, I will read an important notice in relation to parliamentary privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they are to give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to 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. 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.

I now invite questions from the members. I call on Senator Paul Daly.