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

On behalf of the committee, I would like to welcome to the meeting the following officials from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications: Ms Karen Egan, Ms Hannah Gilmartin, Mr. Eoin Fahey, Mr. Philip Newsome, Mr. Kevin Sheridan and Ms Rebecca Minch, while joining us online are Mr. Niall McLoughlin, Mr. Leslie Carberry, Mr. Andrew Doyle, Mr. Robert Mooney and Mr. Kevin McCormack.

I remind 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 potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity. I will direct them to discontinue their remarks if they do make such comments. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

I ask Ms Karen Egan to give her opening statement.