Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

From the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, we are joined by Mr. Declan Meally, director of business, public sector and transport and Ms Orla Coyle, programme manager, public sector and regulatory programmes. Unfortunately we have received apologies from Mr. Les Carberry from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications who cannot be with us today. Members have been circulated with the briefing document opening statements. I will shortly ask witnesses for their opening statements and then members will be invited to address their questions to them. I ask them to please remember to confine their questions to five minutes at first. If possible, we will come back to them at the end.

Before we begin, may I remind members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place where the Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings. Both members and witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege they enjoy. 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 their remarks. It is imperative they comply with this direction.

Members and witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary privilege practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. The opening statements have been submitted to the committee and will be published on its website after this meeting. I invite Mr. Declan Meally from the SEAI to make his opening statement.