Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I welcome everybody to the meeting. Today we commence pre-legislative scrutiny on the general scheme of the marine protected areas Bill and we are joined by Mr. Richard Cronin, principal adviser on the marine environment; Dr. Oliver Ó Cadhla and Dr. Tim O’Higgins, scientific policy advisers; and Mr. Conall O'Connor, assistant principal officer, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Members have been circulated with the opening statements and the general scheme of the Bill which was published mid-December.

I will read a quick note on privilege before we commence. Members are reminded of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the place where the Parliament has chosen to sit, namely, Leinster House, in order to participate in public meetings. Those attending the committee room are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their contributions to today's meeting. This means they will have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. Both members and witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege they enjoy, and it is my duty as Chair to ensure that this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in respect of an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction. Members and witnesses 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.

The order we will follow is probably going to chop and change a bit because members have to go to parliamentary questions in the Dáil and I will have to vacate the Chair temporarily but we will make sure everybody gets plenty of time. I invite Mr. Cronin to make his opening statement.