Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

This morning we will resume our pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the marine protected areas Bill 2023. We are joined by Mr. Niall Goodwin, head of policy, Mr. Denis Devane, senior policy analyst, and Ms Patricia Comiskey, member of the offshore consenting committee, Wind Energy Ireland. We are also joined by Ms Attracta Uí Bhroin, environmental law officer, Irish Environmental Network; Dr. Donal Griffin, Fair Seas Ireland; Mr. Padraic Fogarty, Irish Wildlife Trust, IWT; and Ms Sinéad Loughran, BirdWatch Ireland. We are joined online by Mr. Patrick Lyne, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group.

Copies of the witnesses' opening statements and submissions were circulated to members in advance of the meeting. I must read a quick note on privilege before we start. I wish to remind members 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 in the committee room are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their contributions to today's meeting. This means that they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything they say at the meeting. Witnesses attending remotely do not have the same privilege. Both members and witnesses are expected not to abuse the privilege they enjoy and it is my duty as Chairman to ensure that this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to 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 House or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Our witnesses are very welcome this morning. We will begin with the opening statements from Wind Energy Ireland and the Irish Environmental Network on behalf of the various groups represented today. Then we will have questions from members in seven-minute slots. The seven-minute slot is for asking questions and receiving answers as well so it is important that members leave enough time for witnesses to answer their questions.

This is our third pre-legislative scrutiny meeting on the Bill. We met representatives of the Department last week and we met Professor Tasman Crowe on Tuesday. We are delighted to be joined by experts from the Irish Environmental Network and Wind Energy Ireland. I now invite Mr. Goodwin from Wind Energy Ireland to make an opening statement.