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

Apologies have been received from Deputies Bruton and Whitmore, and Senators Pauline O'Reilly and Dooley.

The purpose of today's meeting is to engage with the European Commissioner for Energy, Ms Kadri Simson, who is visiting Ireland this week. I welcome the Commissioner to the committee. Her officials are here with her. On behalf of the committee I thank the Commissioner for taking the time to meet with the committee during her visit. This is an important opportunity to meet with Commissioner Simson and her colleagues. The committee is looking forward to a productive discussion on a wide range of energy-related matters, particularly energy security and decarbonisation pathways for the energy sector in Ireland and in the EU in the context of the war in Ukraine and in the context of the climate emergency. We will also discuss the need to develop and expand alternatives to fossil fuels as we strive to reduce emissions and move to a cleaner and greener economy and society.

Before we begin, as usual I will read out the note on privilege. I remind witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice whereby 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 might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. If their statements are potentially defamatory in regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative 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 they may participate in this meeting only if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I ask any member joining us online to confirm, prior to making his or her contribution, that he or she is on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I call the Commissioner to make her opening remarks.