Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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I welcome our fourth set of witnesses today, An t-Uasal Caoimhe de Barra, head of environmental international division, Ms Ciara Kirrane, environmental justice policy officer, and Mr. Tom Crowley, programme leader, Trócaire.

Before we commence I remind the witnesses of the position regarding privilege. Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given. Witnesses are asked to respect the parliamentary practice that where possible they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice and ruling of the Chair to the effect that members should not criticise, comment on or make charges against any person or persons outside the House or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Trócaire's submission has been already circulated to members and will be taken as read. I now invite Ms de Barra who has five minutes to make an opening statement to the committee.