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

We will commence now in public session. I have received apologies from Deputy Devlin and Senator Higgins. The purpose of this morning's meeting is to have our second public session discussion on fish migration and barriers to fish migration. On behalf of the committee, I welcome the following witnesses to the meeting: Mr. Jim Casey, head of flood risk management in the Office of Public Works, OPW, and Mr. Cian Ó Dónaill of the flood risk management section in the south-west division and environment section of the OPW. They are both very welcome to the committee this morning.

I will read out the note on privilege now as usual. This is remind our guests of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect 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 any statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, I will direct witnesses to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative they comply with any such direction.

I remind members of the committee 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 also remind members that they are only allowed to participate in this meeting if they are physically located on the Leinster House complex. For those few members who are joining online, I ask them to confirm that they are on the grounds of Leinster House prior to making their contribution to the meeting.

I will ask Mr. Casey now for his opening statement, please.