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

I have received apologies from Senators Pauline O'Reilly and Alice-Mary Higgins and Deputies Richard Bruton and Alan Farrell.

The purpose of today's meeting is to have a discussion on the challenges relating to fish migration, spawning, habitat loss, barriers to migration and so on. We have been planning on having this session for quite a long time. This will be the first of two public sessions. We are very happy to welcome: Mr. Francis O'Donnell, chief executive officer, and Dr. Cathal Gallagher, head of research, Inland Fisheries Ireland, IFI; Mr. Mark Horton, all-island director, the Rivers Trust; Mr. Kris Murphy, the Slaney River Trust; and Professor Ken Whelan, vice president, the Atlantic Salmon Trust.

Before we begin, I will as usual read out the note on privilege to 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 relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue their remarks, and it is imperative he comply with any such direction. I do not believe we have any witnesses who are attending remotely thus morning. There are, therefore, no issues around parliamentary privilege in that regard.

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 of the committee that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. In that regard, I ask those members who are joining us online to confirm that they are indeed on the grounds of Leinster House prior to making their contributions to the meeting.

I will go first to Mr. O'Donnell for his opening statement.