Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Good afternoon. We are meeting today to consider the matter of marine protected areas. We are joined today by Mr. Richard Cronin, principal adviser, and Dr. Oliver Ó Cadhla, scientific policy adviser, both from the marine environment section of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I thank them for their attendance today in assisting the joint committee in its work and interest in marine protected areas.

I must read a note on privilege first. Members are reminded of the constitutional requirements that they should be physically present within the confines of the place which the Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings. For members attending remotely, from within the Leinster House complex, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect to their contributions to today’s meeting. That means they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. For witnesses attending remotely, there are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and as such they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a person does who is physically present. Both members and witnesses are expected not to abuse the privileges they enjoy and it is my duty as Chairman to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction. Members and witnesses 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 of the Houses or an official either by name, or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. The opening statements submitted to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting.

I now invite Mr. Cronin to make his opening statement, please, and he is very welcome here today.