Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have received apologies from the Cathaoirleach, Deputy Jackie Cahill. I will be chairing the proceedings today. I remind all witnesses to turn off their mobile phones.

The purpose of today's meeting is to undertake an examination of proposal COM (2022) 304, a regulation from the European Parliament and Council on nature restoration. The committee will hear from Dr. Humberto Delgado Rosa, Director for Biodiversity, from the European Commission.

All those present in the committee room are asked to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from the risk of contracting Covid-19.

I bring to the attention of witnesses that those giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to a committee. This means that witnesses have a full defence in any defamation action arising from anything said at a committee meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privileged position and may be directed to cease giving evidence on the instruction of the Chair. Witnesses should follow the directions of the Chair in this regard and are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, where reasonable, no adverse comments should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses who give evidence from locations outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts and should consider taking legal advice on this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses outside the proceedings held by the committee of any matters arising from the proceedings.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that members 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. Parliamentary privilege is considered to apply to the utterances of members participating online in committee meetings when they are participating from within the parliamentary precincts. There can be no assurance in respect of participation online from outside the parliamentary precincts and members should be mindful of this when contributing.

COM (2022) 304 is a regulation from the European Parliament and Council on nature restoration. Dr. Delgado Rosa is more than welcome to the committee. I ask him to introduce himself, his committee, and the advisers he has with him. He has 15 minutes to make his contribution.