Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I remind Members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones as they interfere with the sound system, make it difficult for parliamentary reporters to report the meeting and adversely affect television coverage and web streaming.

I draw the attention of the witnesses to the fact that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if they are directed by the Chairman 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. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. I wish to advise the witnesses also that any submission or opening statement they have submitted to the committee may be published on the committee website after the meeting. Members 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 House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

The first item is the scrutiny of the EU regulation proposal COM (2016) 479 on the inclusion of greenhouse gas emissions and removals from land use, land use change and forestry in the 2030 climate and energy framework. It is proposed that the proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.

COM (2016) 482 is a proposal for binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by member states from 2021 to 2030. It is proposed that the proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.

COM (2016) 589 is a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and the European Council amending EU Regulations Nos. 1316/2013 and 283/2014 on the promotion of Internet connectivity in local communities. It is proposed that the proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed? Agreed.

COM (2016) 594 is a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and the European Council laying down rules on the exercise of copyright and related rights applicable to certain online transmissions of public service broadcasting. It is proposed that the proposal does not warrant further scrutiny. Is that agreed?

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Subject to the specific questions we have asked.

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Yes, and we will receive written clarification on those. Is that agreed? Agreed.