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

The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss with representatives from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications the pre-legislative scrutiny of the general scheme of the gas safety (amendment) Bill 2023. On behalf of the committee, I welcome from the Department's wholesale gas policy division, Ms Jennifer Harte, principal officer, and Ms Cristina Hurson, assistant principal.

I remind the witnesses 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. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

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 joining us virtually that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. I ask those joining us online to confirm that they are on the grounds of Leinster House prior to making their contribution to the meeting.

I invite Ms Harte to make her opening statement.