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

Apologies have been received from Senator Alice Mary Higgins. The purpose of meeting today is to discuss liquefied natural gas, LNG, as an issue and also fossil fuel exploration and related areas. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the following witnesses: Professor Barry McMullin of Dublin City University; and Mr. Gergely Molnár, gas analyst at the International Energy Agency. Mr. Molnár is joining us remotely.

Before we begin, as usual, I will read out the note on privilege. I remind our guests 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 they comply with any such direction. For our witness who is attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus, Mr. Molnár, there are limitations to parliamentary privilege. As such, he may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present does.

Members 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 allowed to participate in the meeting only if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. I ask those members who are joining the meeting online that, prior to making their contributions, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

Mr. Molnár can only stay with us on the call for 20 minutes so I propose that we hear his opening statement and then invite members to ask questions, and I propose two minutes per member. We will then revert to Mr. Molnár to respond. After that, we will engage with Professor McMullin. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I invite Mr. Molnár to deliver his opening statement.