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

I have received apologies from Senator Higgins, although she indicated she may be able to join us at some point.

We are meeting to discuss the public sector climate action mandate. On behalf of the committee, I welcome from the Office of Government Procurement, OGP, Ms Anne Stewart, assistant secretary, Mr. David O’Brien, principal officer, and Mr. Andrew Bogie, principal officer. From the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, I welcome back Mr. William Walsh, CEO, and I welcome Mr. Declan Meally, director of business, public sector and transport, Mr. John O’Sullivan, head of public sector and regulatory programmes, and Mr. Alan Ryan, programme manager in public sector. They are all very welcome and I thank them for coming.

Before we begin, I will read a note on privilege. I remind our guests 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 and 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 they are only allowed to participate in the meeting if they are physically located in the Leinster House complex. In this regard, I ask members joining us online via Microsoft Teams to confirm they are on the grounds of Leinster House prior to making a contribution to the meeting.

I invite Ms Stewart to make her opening statement.