Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The committee is meeting to consider an update by Minister of State, Deputy Malcolm Noonan, on matters for which he is responsible around biodiversity, heritage and electoral reform. The Minister of State is accompanied by a number of officials who will assist the committee as necessary with any of their questions.

Before we proceed, I must read note a privilege. Members are reminded of the constitutional requirements that they should be physically present within the confines of the place in 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 of their contributions to today's meetings. This means they will have an absolute defence against any defamation 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.

Members and witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege they enjoy and it is my duty as Chair to ensure this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue your remarks and 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 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's website after the meeting.

I welcome Minister of State to the meeting. We have had a number of meetings in the past on issues relating to his remit around biodiversity and heritage and we had the Heritage Council in last week. We are delighted to welcome him here today. I invite him to make his opening statement.