Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputies Kehoe and Collins. Deputy Whitmore has stated she will attend later. I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones.

Before we begin, I bring the following to their attention: witnesses giving evidence within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means that they have a full defence in any defamation action in respect of anything they say at the meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed by the Chair to cease giving evidence on an issue. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard and are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, as is reasonable, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses who want to give evidence from locations outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts. They may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on this matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses, outside of the proceedings held by the committee, of any matters arising from the proceedings.

Members 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 House or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Parliamentary privilege is considered to apply to utterances of members participating online at a committee meeting when that participation is within the parliamentary precincts. Members may not participate online in a public meeting from outside the parliamentary precincts and any attempt to do so will result in said member having his or her online access removed.

The purpose of today's meeting is to resume our discussion on the continual examination of compliance with the nitrates directive and the implications for Ireland. From An Taisce, we are joined by Dr. Elaine McGoff, head of advocacy, Professor John Sweeney, Professor Emeritus at Maynooth University and member of An Taisce's climate committee, and Mr. Ian Lumley, heritage officer. From Coastwatch, we are joined by Ms Karin Dubsky, director and Ms Bernie Connolly, regional co-ordinator. From BirdWatch Ireland, we are joined by Ms Oonagh Duggan, head of advocacy, and Mr. Paul Moore, member of BirdWatch Ireland and tillage and beef farmer. All of the witnesses are very welcome.

The opening statements have been circulated to members. I will allow witnesses five minutes to read their opening statements. We will start An Taisce and then go to Coastwatch and BirdWatch Ireland. We will then proceed to our question-and-answer session. I ask the witnesses from An Taisce to make their opening statement.