Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I remind members who will participate in the meeting remotely that they must do this from within the Leinster House complex.

Today the committee will discuss enabling small and medium enterprises, SMEs, to reduce their energy and carbon demands through green initiatives and technology. Through the Climate Action Act 2021, Ireland is committed to a legally binding target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than 2050 and a reduction of 51% by 2030. Enterprise in Ireland faces many challenges in implementing a detailed agenda, transition and change to ensure that our sectors are climate resilient and can remain competitive in a decarbonising world. Leadership and support will be essential to drive the necessary changes while protecting and expanding our industrial competitiveness and prosperity.

Today we are pleased to have the opportunity to consider this and other related matters with the officials from Enterprise Ireland, Mr. Leo Clancy, CEO, and Ms Alexa Toomey, department manager for sustainability, renewable energy and agtec. From the local enterprise offices we welcome: Mr. John Magee, head of enterprise in Mayo LEO and chair of the network of local enterprise offices, LEO; Mr. Joe Lowe, head of the local enterprise office, Leitrim; Ms Eleanor Forrest, with Enterprise Ireland LEO centre of excellence; and Ms Elaine Mc Cormack, with Enterprise Ireland LEO centre of excellence.

Before we start I must mention parliamentary privilege and the limitations to parliamentary privilege, and the practices of the Houses with regard to reference that witnesses may make to another person in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses physically present or who will give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to the Constitution of the statute by absolute privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person by name, or in such a way as to make him, her it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that may be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity.

Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The opening statements have been circulated to members. To commence our consideration of this matter, I invite Mr. Clancy to make his opening remarks on behalf of Enterprise Ireland.