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

I have received apologies from Senator Higgins. The purpose of this session is to have a discussion on carbon sequestration, carbon sources and sinks, and land management. Nature restoration is a related issue. On behalf of the committee, I welcome Dr. Ken Byrne, University of Limerick, who is in the committee room with us. Joining us online from Germany is Professor Hans Joosten, researcher in the University of Greifswald, and Dr. James Moran, lecturer in ecology and biology at the Atlantic Technological University in Galway. Dr. Moran has been with the committee previously. All the witnesses are very welcome.

As usual, before we 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 considered damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. For the two witnesses who are attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus, there are limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present in the room does.

Members of the committee 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 also remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I ask all members who are joining us online to confirm prior to making their contributions to the meeting that they are indeed on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I invite Dr. Byrne to make his opening statement.