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

I have received apologies from Deputy Alan Farrell. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss media. This is the third meeting in our series of sessions on media and communications in the effort to bring about effective climate action. Today's session will be split in two. In the first session, we will hear from representatives from RTÉ and in the second session, we have the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland, ASAI, Purpose Disruptors Ireland and Client Earth. The purpose of both sessions is to have a discussion on media in actioning climate change. On behalf of the committee, I welcome from RTÉ, Ms Tara Peterman, Mr. Colm O'Callaghan, Mr. Philip Bromwell and Mr. Peter Woods, who are joining us remotely.

I remind the witnesses of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they not should 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 a witness's statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity I will direct the witness to discontinue and it is imperative that any such direction is complied with. As our witnesses today are attending from outside the Leinster House campus there are limitations to parliamentary privilege and, as such, witnesses may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present on the Leinster House campus.

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 remind members that they are only allowed to participate in the meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. I ask that prior to making their contributions to the meeting, if they are joining us online that they would confirm that they are indeed on the grounds of Leinster House.

I now call Ms Peterman from RTÉ to make her opening statement.