John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)

I will read the note on privilege and housekeeping matters before we begin. Witnesses and members are reminded 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 would be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with such a direction that I might make.

Members attending remotely are reminded that in order to participate in public meetings, they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex. This is due to the constitutional requirement that to participate in public meetings, members must be physically present within the confines or place where the Parliament has chosen to sit. In this regard, I ask members participating via Microsoft Teams to confirm that they are on the grounds of Leinster House if they wish to contribute to the meeting. I remind all in attendance to make sure their mobile phones are switched off or on silent mode.

From County Wicklow Partnership, I welcome Ms Carol Coad, strategy activation officer, and Mr. Aaron Byrne, rural recreation officer. I thank them for attending. We look forward to gleaning insights regarding the development and operation of rural recreation programmes and how recreation and the outdoors can be promoted and enhanced into the future. With that in mind, I invite Ms Coad to make her opening remarks.