Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)

We have apologies from Senator Lynch. Witnesses giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. This means that witnesses have a full defence in any defamation action for anything said at the meeting. However, witnesses are expected not to abuse this privilege and may be directed to cease giving evidence on an issue at the Chair's discretion. Witnesses should follow the direction of the Chair in this regard and are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that, as is reasonable, no adverse commentary should be made against an identifiable third person or entity. Witnesses who are giving evidence from a location outside the parliamentary precincts are asked to note that they may not benefit from the same level of immunity from legal proceedings as a witness giving evidence from within the parliamentary precincts and may consider it appropriate to take legal advice on the matter. Privilege against defamation does not apply to the publication by witnesses outside of the proceedings of the meeting of any matters arising from the proceedings.

I advise members of the constitutional arrangement whereby they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. A member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. I ask any member participating via MS Teams that, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of Leinster House campus. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against either a person outside the Houses or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that may 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, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss anaerobic digestion. The committee is going to hear from several witnesses. From Nephin Energy Limited, I welcome Mr. Tom O'Brien, group chief executive. From Nephin Renewable Gas, we have Mr. Graeme Lochhead, managing director, and Mr. Michael Sweeney, operations director. From the Irish Bioenergy Association, we have Mr. Seán Finan, CEO, Mr. Paddy Phelan, director, and Mr. Stephen McCormack, project executive. From Bia Energy, we have Dr. Stephen Nolan, technical lead. Our final witness is Mr. Brendan Gildea, the owner of Riverview Farm. The opening statements have been circulated and members have had an opportunity to read them. All the witnesses are very welcome, tá fáilte rompu. We will allow five minutes for the opening statements and will then proceed to questions and answers. I invite Mr. O'Brien to make his opening statement on behalf of Nephin Energy.