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

Apologies have been received from Senator Higgins, for whom Senator Black is substituting, and Deputy Alan Farrell. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the recommendations contained in the report of the Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss relating to the rights of nature and environmental law. On behalf of the committee, I welcome from the Centre for Democratic and Environmental Rights, Ms Mari Margill, executive director, and Mr. Thomas Lizney, senior legal counsel, both of whom are attending remotely; and from University College Cork, Dr. Áine Ryall, who is in the room with us. Dr. Peter Doran from Queen’s University Belfast, who is due to attend, has been delayed but we hope he will join us shortly. We welcome also from Maynooth University, Dr. Mary Dobbs, who is joining us online, and Dr. Orla Kelleher, who is here in the room.

Before we begin, I will read out a 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 respect of an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks and it is imperative they comply with any such direction. For those witnesses who are attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus, there are limits to their parliamentary privilege and, as such, they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as does a witness who is physically present on the Leinster House campus.

Members of the committee 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 only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House campus. In this regard I ask all members who are joining online or remotely from their offices, prior to making their contribution, to confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

I call Ms Margil to make her opening statement, please.