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

Apologies have been received from Deputy Cronin. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the position Ireland will take at the UN Biodiversity Conference, COP15, which will be held on 1 October 2022 in Kunming, China. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Deirdre Lynn, who is a scientific officer at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. She is very welcome to the meeting.

Before we will begin, I will read the note on privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that 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. Therefore, 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. As Dr. Lynn is attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus, there are limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, she may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as does a witness who is physically present in the committee room.

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 members joining us online to confirm, prior to making their contribution, that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I invite Dr. Lynn to make her opening statement.