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

Apologies have been received from Senator Garret Ahearn and Deputy Matt Shanahan.

This meeting will discuss the sustainable development goals, SDGs, which are the blueprint for a better and more sustainable future for all of us. The aim is to address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment currently leads on several SDG targets. I am pleased we have the opportunity to consider these and related matters further with officials from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I welcome from the Department, Dr. Dermot Coates, chief economist, economic and tax policy unit, and Mr. Joseph Cummins, principal, climate action and energy policy unit. Joining us online are Mr. Osama Noujoum, assistant principal, data and evaluation unit, and Ms Federica De Blasio, administrative officer, data and evaluation unit.

Before we start, I will explain parliamentary privilege to the witnesses. There are some limitations to parliamentary privilege and the practice of the Houses as regards references 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 again 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 or it identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed by me to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Opening statements have been circulated to members. To commence our consideration of this matter, I invite Dr. Coates to make his opening remarks on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.