Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Patricia Ryan. Today, the committee will be engaging with representatives from the OECD and the Think-tank for Action on Social Change, TASC, to discuss the cost of climate action as part of the committee's pre-budget 2022 scrutiny. The witnesses have already joined the meeting. I welcome Dr. Ivana Capozza, senior policy analyst–programme manager in environmental performance reviews, and Ms Tatiana Samsonova, policy analyst for the International Transport Forum, from the OECD and Mr. Seán McCabe, executive manager at climate justice centre from TASC.

Before beginning, I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. However, the witnesses are giving evidence remotely and from a place outside the parliamentary precincts, and as such may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present would do. Witnesses are reminded 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 may be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if the witnesses 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.

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 or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. I remind members of the constitutional requirements that members must be physically present within the confines of the place in which Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House and or the Convention Centre Dublin, to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where he or she is not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting.

I now ask Dr. Copozza to give her opening statement. After her contribution, we will hear from Mr. McCabe.