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. Apologies have been received from Senator Marie Sherlock.

Today we are going to discuss the circular economy and funding and supports that are available to enterprise to deliver circular economy initiatives. The circular economy is a model of production and consumption that seeks to break the link between economic growth and environmental degradation. It focuses on extending the life cycle of the product in contrast to the linear take-make-waste approach. It is regenerative by nature and aims to separate growth from the consumption of finite resources. I am pleased that we have the opportunity today to consider this and other related matters further with the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, with special responsibility for communications and the circular economy, Deputy Ossian Smyth, who is accompanied by Ms Catherine Higgins, assistant principal at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

Before we start I must explain some 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 give evidence from within the parliamentary precincts is protected pursuant to the Constitution and statute by absolute privilege. Witnesses are reminded 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 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 statement of the Minister of State has been circulated to members. To commence our consideration of this matter, I now invite the Minister of State, Deputy Ossian Smyth, to make his opening remarks.