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

I have received apologies from Senator Higgins.

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the decarbonisation of the heat sector in our country and, if we have time, to discuss the rising cost of district heating systems. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the following representatives from eHeat Ireland: Mr. Samuel Geraghty, project manager of Astatine; Dr. James Browne; Mr. Ronan Coffey; Mr. Sergio Contreras; and Mr. Tom Marren. You are all very welcome this morning.

Before we begin, I will read out the note on privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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. Witnesses who are attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus should note that there are limitations to parliamentary privilege and as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present on the campus.

As such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present on the campus 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.

I now call Mr. Geraghty to make his opening statement.