Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The proceedings of Oireachtas committees will be conducted without the requirement for social distancing, with normal capacity in the committee rooms restored. However, committees are encouraged to take a gradual approach to this change. Members and witnesses have the option to attend meetings in the relevant committee room or online via Microsoft Teams. All those attending the committee room and environs should continue to wash their hands properly and often, avail of sanitisers, be respectful of other people's physical space and practise good respiratory etiquette. If they have any Covid symptoms, no matter how mild, they should not attend in the committee meeting room. Members and all in attendance are asked to exercise personal responsibility in protecting themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19. As they are well aware, if members are participating remotely they are required to participate from within the Leinster House complex. The only apologies we have received so far are from Senators Garvey and Gavan, and Senator Gavan intends to join later; he is running late.

Today we are discussing offshore and renewable energy with Wind Energy Ireland. The importance of wind and offshore energy has only grown with time. It is vital that we harness these sources in the right way. The climate action plan sets out a target of 5,000 MW of offshore wind electricity by 2030. Events in recent years and months, such as the war in Ukraine and climate change, have highlighted the importance of utilising these sources of energy. Ireland is particularly well placed, especially around the west coast, to avail of wind energy, and we need to take this opportunity so we can have a real and positive impact in achieving our climate action goals. Job creation in this area is something we hope to see grow and prosper and I hope the witnesses can inform the committee about this.

I am pleased we have the opportunity to consider the matter further with the following representatives. I welcome from Wind Energy Ireland Mr. Noel Cunniffe, CEO, and Mr. Justin Moran, director of external affairs. I welcome Ms Vanessa O'Connell, head of Inis Offshore Wind and vice-chairperson of the offshore supply chain working group. From Green Rebel I welcome Mr. Kieran Ivers, CEO.

Before we start I wish to explain some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses in respect of references witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to both the Constitution and statute by absolute 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 a person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements have been circulated to members. To commence our consideration of this matter, I invite Mr. Cunniffe to make opening remarks on behalf of Wind Energy Ireland.