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

I have received apologies from Senator Pauline O'Reilly. The purpose of this afternoon's meeting is to have a discussion as part of our ongoing review of the Climate Action Plan 2023. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, to the committee.

Before we begin, I will read a note on privilege which is to 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 witnesses' statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct them to discontinue and it is imperative that 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 that they are only allowed to participate in the meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. In that regard, I ask members joining us online to confirm prior to making their contributions that they are indeed on the Leinster House campus.

I invite the Minister to make his opening statement.