Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Deputy Joan Collins, who is in the Dáil Chamber this morning. Members are required to participate in the meeting remotely from within the Leinster House precincts only. I welcome the witnesses. They are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the presentation they make to the committee. This means that they have an absolute defence against any defamation action for anything you say at this meeting. However, they are not expected to abuse this privilege and it is my duty as Cathaoirleach to ensure that this privilege is not abused. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue your remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that you should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or identifiable or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity.

Members are also reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against any person or entity outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The committee will consider the impact of energy poverty and the retrofitting of homes in rural and urban areas. This is the fourth meeting the committee has held on this topic. Today, the committee is considering the effectiveness of the fuel allowance and the retrofitting of homes on some of the most vulnerable households in Ireland, namely those with limited financial resources and those facing health challenges. The committee is always interested in the lived experiences of those facing energy hardship and its impact on our climate, but also how we can modify policy to ensure that these homes are warm and healthy places to live. I would like to welcome Ms Averil Power, CEO, and Ms Anna Drynan-Gale, team lead of the night nursing service, Irish Cancer Society, ICS; Dr. Suzanne Denieffe, head of the school of humanities, South East Technological University, SETU; and Ms Clare O'Connor, energy policy officer, and Mr. Jerry Mac Evilly, head of policy, Friends of the Earth.

I invite Ms Power to make her opening statement.