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

I have received apologies from Deputy Farrell.

The purpose of this morning's meeting is to continue the discussion on the decarbonisation of heating. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the following witnesses to the meeting: from the Irish District Energy Association, Ms Yvonne Murphy, chief executive officer and Dr. David Connolly, chairperson; and from Aalborg University in Copenhagen, Professor Brian Vad Mathiesen. Members of the committee should note that Professor Mathieson will only be in attendance until 12 noon, Irish time, at which point he will have to leave the meeting.

Before we begin, I will read a note on privilege to remind witnesses 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.

Our witness who is attending remotely from Copenhagen should note that there are limitations to parliamentary privilege when witnesses are not on the Leinster House campus and as such, he may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness who is physically present on the campus.

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 remotely that, prior to making their contributions, they confirm they are on the Leinster House campus.

I will go first to Ms Murphy for her opening statement.