Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for the delay in starting. The Chair is on his way and will be with us shortly. Members are joining online, as well as physically here in the committee room. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the Climate Action Plan 2023. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and his officials to the committee room.

I remind members and 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 their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks, and it is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members of the committee are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice 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. In this regard, I ask all members, if they are joining us online, to confirm prior to making their contribution that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

I call the Minister, Deputy Ryan, to make his opening statement.