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

I have received apologies from Deputy Whitmore. The purpose of today's meeting is to review the Climate Action Plan 2023, which was published just before Christmas. This is the first of our meetings with relevant Ministers. It is also the committee's first meeting in the context of its mandate under the climate Act.

Accountability for progress on the climate action plan effectively lies with this committee. We have the authority to bring in the relevant Ministers and ask them about progress under the climate action plan. This will be an iterative process that I expect will happen on an annual basis and we will have all the relevant Ministers each year. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the first of these Ministers, namely, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and his officials.

As usual, I will read out the note on privilege, which is to remind the witnesses 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 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.

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 members are joining us online, that they would confirm that they are indeed on the grounds of Leinster House.

I call the Minister to make his opening statement.