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

We have apologies from Deputy Bríd Smith.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome Mr. Frank Maughan and Mr. Noel Regan from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications to today's meeting and thank you for coming before us to share your expertise on these important EU legislative proposals. The purpose of this meeting is to have a discussion on this package of proposals. Following this engagement, the committee will make a decision on whether it is necessary that a reasoned opinion be sent to the Dáil on some or all of these proposals.

I will read out a note on privilege. I remind witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not criticise or make charges against a 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 the person or entity. If their statements, therefore, are potentially defamatory in regard 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 from a place outside of the Leinster House campus, there are some additional limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present does.

Members of the committee 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 also remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I ask all members, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, that they confirm that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

For anyone watching this meeting online, the Oireachtas members and witnesses are accessing this meeting remotely. Only I, as Chair, and the necessary staff essential to the running of the meeting are physically present in the committee room. Due to these circumstances and the large number of people attending the meeting remotely, I ask that everyone bear with us should any technical issues arise.

I now call on Mr. Maughan to make his opening statement.