Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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We will continue our discussion on the outline heads of the Maritime Area and Foreshore (Amendment) Bill 2013. I welcome from the Environmental Protection Agency Mr. Dara Lynott, deputy director general; Dr. Karen Creed, senior inspector, environmental licensing programme; and Dr. Tara Higgins, inspector, environmental licensing programme. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. If they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to 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 and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. The opening statement and any other document delegates have submitted to the committee may be published on its website after the meeting.

I invite Dr. Lynott to address the committee.