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

The meeting will be split into two sessions. The first is with representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA. Also with us is Professor Mark Scott. The second session will be with officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The purpose of the sessions is to examine the recommendations contained in the report of the Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity Loss. Both sessions are looking at the recommendations related to land use and water quality.

On behalf of the committee, I welcome from the EPA: Dr. Eimear Cotter, director of the office of evidence and assessment; Dr. Jenny Deakin, senior scientist in that office; and Ms Mary Gurrie, programme manager in the same office. Joining us online is Professor Mark Scott, dean in the school of architecture, planning and environmental policy in University College Dublin.

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 a 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. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

I remind our witness who is attending remotely from outside the Leinster House campus that there are limitations to parliamentary privilege. By not being on the campus, he may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness physically present on the 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 in the Leinster House complex.

I ask members who are joining us online to confirm prior to making their contributions that they are on the grounds of the Leinster House complex.

I call Dr. Cotter to make her opening statement.